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BOOK 



BLACK BASS 



COMPRISING ITS COMPLETE 



SCIENTIFIC AND LIFE HISTORY 

TOGETHER WITH A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON 

ANGLING AND FLY FISHING 

AND A FULL l^T^SCRIPTION OF 

TOOLS, TACKLE AND IMPLEMENTS 

BY 

JAMES A: HEXSHALL, M.D 



" I a>/i, Sir, a brotlier of the Angle." — Izaak Walton 



1[nn^ |!i«$trafctt 

CINCINNATI 
EGBERT CLARKE & CO 

. 1881 



O^rioAj 



iL 



^i^ 






Copyright, 1881, 
J. A. HENSHALU 



By Hmtim 
U. S. Soldiers Home Lih, 

JUL 14 1936 



TO THE 

CUYIEPv CLUB 

OF 
CINCINNATI, OHIO, 

FOR ITS PRAISEWORTHY EFFORTS IN BEHALF OF THE PRESERVATION OF 
FISH AND game; AND FOR THE GREAT BENEFITS IT HAS BE- 
STOWED UPON THE ANGLER, THE SPORTSMAN, 
AND THE NATURALIST, 

THIS BOOK IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 

BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



iV^SS?^* 



PEEFACE. 



This book owes its origin to a long-cherished desire on the 
part of the author, to give to tlie Bhick Bass its proper place 
among game fishes, and to create among anglers, and the public 
generally, an interest in a fish that has never been so fully ap- 
preciated as its merits deserve, because of the want of suitable 
tackle for its capture, on the one hand, and a lack of information 
regarding its habits and economic value on the other. 

The Book of the Black Bass is of an entirely practical 
nature, both as regards its subject-matter and its illustrations. 
It has been written more with a view to instruct, than to amuse 
or entertain the reader; he will, therefore, look in vain, between 
its covers, for those rhetorical flights, poetic descriptions or en- 
tertaining accounts and pleasing illustrations of the pleasures and 
vicissitudes of angling, which are usually found in works of this 
character. Nor is it to be regarded, on the other hand, as a book 
of a purely scientific nature — far from it — for the author has 
written as an angler rather than as a naturalist. With these 
apologies, I trust the reader will not be disappointed in its perusal. 

Some of its chapters are based on articles heretofore con- 
tributed by the author to Forest and Stream, the Chicago Field, 
and other journals, which have since been re-written, enlarged 
and elaborated. 

The full-page illustrations of the two species of Black 
Bass were drawn from life by Dr. E. R. Copeland, and are faith- 
ful representations in every particular. It was the original in- 
tention of the author to have had these illustrations lithographed 

(V) 



VI PEEFACE. 

in colors; but the fact that the species vary so greatly in color- 
ation in different sections, rendered this inexpedient, and the 
design was abandoned*. 

In the technical portion of the book the author has availed 
himself of all published information on the subject of the Miero- 
pteri, for which he has given due credit in the proper places. But 
I desire particularly to express my profound obligation to Prof. 
Theo. Gill, for permission to use his valuable writings, and like- 
wise to him, Profs. Spencer F. Baird and G. Brown Goode, for 
information freely given, and for excerpts from rare books in the 
library of the Smithsonian Institution. I also tender my sincere 
thanks and grateful acknowledgments to Prof David S. Jordan, 
for his uniform kindness, encouragement and advice, for the loan 
of books, and for the cordial, kindly and courteous interest he 
has manifested in me and my book. 

I am aware that the change made in the scientific names of 
the Black Bass species, will be looked upon by many, at first, as 
unw'ise and injudicious; but, under the circumstances, I could 
not have done otherwise than to restore the names rightfully be- 
longing to them, inasmuch as by so doing it clears up the former 
confusion attending tlie nomenclature of the species, and renders 
plain the causes of the same. Moreover, as the names 3Iicropterus 
for the genus, and dolomieu and sabnoides for the species, are 
the first ever bestowed, in each instance., their adoption will be 
not only an act of justice, but of expediency, for as we can not 
go back of them, it sets the matter at rest, forever. 

JAMES A. HENSHALL. 

Cincinnati, July, 1881. 



TABLE OF COI^TEE^TS. 



PART FIRST. 

TERMINOLOGY, MORPHOLOGY, AND PHYSIOLOGY. 

CHAPTER I. — Scientific History of the Black Bass — Views of La 
c6pede, Rafinesque, LeSueur, Cuvier, DeKay, Agassiz, Gill, Cope, 
Jordan, et al., . . . . . . . IL 

CHAPTER II. — Nomenclature and Morphology — Generic and specific 
descriptions of all authors, . . . . .65. 

CHAPTER III. — General and Special Features of the Black Bass, 135. 

CHAPTER IV.— Coloration of the Black Bass, . . . 145. 

CHAPTER V. — Geographical Distribution,. . . . 154. 

CHAPTER VI. — Habits of the Black Bass — Spawning and Hatching, 
Food and Growth, Hibernation, etc., .... 162. 

CHAPTER VII. — Intelligence and Special Senses. Seeing, Hear- 
ing, etc., . . . . . , . . 175. 

CHAPTER VIII. — On Stocking Inland Waters avith Black Bass, 185. 



PART SECOND. 

TOOLS, TACKLE AND IMPLEMENTS. 

CHAPTER TX.— Fishing Rods— Natural Rods— Wooden Rods— Origin 
of Split Bamboo Rod — Bait Rods — Minnow Rods— Henshall Rod — 
Cuvier Club Rod— Welles Rod— Home-made Rods— How to make 
Split Bamboo Rods— Fly-Rods, etc, .... 195. 

CHAPTER X.— Fishing Reels— Click Reels— IMultiplj'ing Reels, 237. 

CHAPTER XL— Fishing Line.s— How Lines are made— Reel Lines for 
Bait Fishing — Reel Lines for Fly-Fishing — Hand Lines, etc., 252. 

CHAPTER XII.— Silkworm Gut— How Silkworm Gut is made — Leaders 
or Casting Lines — Snells or Snoods — Knots, . . . 270. 

CHAPTER XIII. —Fish Hooks— How Hooks are made— Various kinds 
of Hooks— Barbless Hooks, ..... 283. 

CHAPTER XIV.— Artificial Flies —Various Kinds of Bass Flies- 
Hackles — Winged Flies, etc., ..... 294. 

• (vii) 



Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XV.— Aktificial Baits— Trolling Baits— Spoon Baits— Arti- 
ficial Minnows — Artificial Insects — The Bob, etc., . . 307. 

CHAPTER XVI.— N.\TURAL Baits— Minnows — Craw-fish — Helgram- 
inite — Grasshoppers — Crickets — Shrimps — Frogs, etc., . 318. 

CHAPTER XVII. — Miscellaneous Implements — Fly-Books — Creels — 
Landing Nets — Minnow Seines and Nets — Floats — Sinkers — Swav- 
els — Clearing Ring.s — Disgorgors — Minnow Buckets — Wading Pants 
and Stockings — Rod and Reel Cases, etc., . . . 327. 



PART THIRD. 

ANGLING AND FLY-FI.SHING. 

CHAPTER XVIII.— The Philosophy of Angling— A.s an Art, 349. 

CHAPTER XIX. — Conditions Governing the Biting of Fish — Influ- 
ences of Wind, Weather and Water — Rain and Sunshine— Thunder 
and Lightning— Changes of tlie Moon — Signs of the Zodiac — Day 
and Season, etc., ....... 3o6. 

CHAPTER XX.— The Black Bass as a Game Fish— The Coming Game 
Fish of America — The Extinction of the Brook Trout, . 377. 

CHAPTER XXL— Fly Fishing — Tackle— Rigging the Cast— Casting- 
How to Strike — Playing — Landing — How, when and where to Fish 
with the Artificial Fly — General Instructions and Advice, . 387. 

CHAPTER XXII.— Bait Fishing— Casting the Minnow— Tackle— Rig- 
ging the Cast— How to Cast— Striking— Playing— Landing— Advi- 
sory Hints and Remarks, etc., ..... 409= 

CHAPTER XXIII.— Still Fishing— Tackle and Implements— Bait and 
Baiting— On Lake and River— General Instructions— Management 
of the Fish under various exigencies, etc., . . . 428. 

CHAPTER XXIV.— Trolling— Trolling with the Rod— With Flics— 
With the Tklinnow- With the Fly Spoon— With the Hand Line— 
With the Spoon Bait— With the Artificial IMinnow, etc. 433. 

CHAPTER XXV.— Skittering and Bobbing— Tackle and Implements— 
Where to "Skitter"— How to "Bob," etc., . . . 440. 

CHAPTER XXVI.— Concluding Remarks — Parting Advice— Care of 
Rods and Tackle, etc., -W-l. 



PART FIRST. 



TERMINOLOGY, MORPHOLOGY 

AND 

PHYSIOLOGY. 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



CHAPTER I. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 

(MiCROPTERUS.) 

" For my name and memoiy, I leave it to men's charitable speeches, to> 
foreign natious, and to the next ages." — Bacon. 

The scientific history of the Black Bass is a most unsat- 
isfactory one. This is owing to a train of accidental cir- 
cumstances, and to the neglect of thorough investigation 
of its earliest history, as recorded by Lacepede, the re- 
nowned French naturalist, in his great work, "Histoire 
Naturelle des Poissons."* 

It will be well, perhaps, before entering upon the minu- 
tiae of the subject, to present a brief synopsis of the scien- 

"•■■ "The great work on the natnral history of fish, by the Count Lace- 
pede, was the next publication after that of Bloch upon general Ichthy- 
ology. . . . It is not, like others in different branches of Zoology, a 
servile copy of the LInnsean divisions, but numerous others are defined 
for the first time: and when we look back to what systematic ichthyology 
was before, and what it became by the labors of Lacept-de, no one can 
in fairness deny but that a great and important advance in this science 
had been effected. No naturalist can hope to achieve more than this, 
however great may be his abilities ; and we do not, therefore, understand 
upon what ground so much censure has recently been cast upon the 
works of this distinguished Frenclnnan by some of his own country- 
men."— SwAlNSON, Nat. Hist, and Qass. of Fishes, I., 58, 1838. 

(11) 



12 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

tific history of the Black Bass, as heretofore understood 
and accepted in this country, from its first description by 
Lacepede down to the present time. 

This representative American fish was first brought to 
the light of science in a foreign land, and under the most 
unfavorable auspices. Its scientific birth was, like Mac- 
' duff's, untimely; it was, unhappily, born a monstrosity; 
its baptismal names were, consequently, incongruous, and 
its sponsors were, most unfortunately, foreign naturalists. 

It* has been, heretofore, considered by American natural- 
ists that the first scientific description of a Black Bass was 
that published by Lacepede, about the year 1800, in the 
work just referred to. This description was founded upon 
a drawing of a Black Bass, and accompanying manuscript 
notes sent to him by M. Bosc, from the vicinity of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, with the local name of "trout," or 
"trout-perch." This figure, and its accompanying de- 
scription, were said to be so uncertain and inaccurate, that 
it has been considered very doubtful which species of 
Black Bass w^as intended to be represented. However, 
Lacepede named it Labrus salmoides (Labre salmo'ide) — 
the "trout-like" Lahrus (wrasse') — in accordance with its 
general appearance and vernacular name. 

It has been held by American ichthyologists that it was 
after this, in 1801-2, that Lacepede received his first ex- 
ample of a Black Bass. This was a fine adult specimen 
of the small-mouthed species, but, unfortunately, it was an 
abnormal specimen, with a deformed dorsal fin, the last 
rays having been bitten off and torn loose from the others 
when the fish was young. In conformity with this acci- 
dental peculiarity, Lacepede named it Micropterus dolo- 
mieu — Dolomieu's "small-fin" — he supposing that the little 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 13 

fin was a permanent and distinctive feature, and of generic 
value ; he accordingly created the new genus Micropterus, 
and named the type in honor of his friend Dolomieu. 

In 1817, Rafinesque,* another French naturalist, then 
living in America, j)rocured specimens of the small-mouthed 
Bass in the region of Lake Champlain, which he named Bodi- 
anus achigan, from the Canadian vulgar name of Vachiyan. 
He either failed to recognize, or repudiated, Lacepede's 
former descriptions of Labrus salmoides and Mioropterus 
dolomieu. During the next few years, from 1818 to 1820, 
while fishing in the Ohio Eiver and its tributaries, in 
Kentucky, Rafinesque took and described specimens of 
the small-mouthed Black Bass, at different stages of its 
growth, as Calliunis punctuldtus, Lepomis trifasciata, Lepo- 
mis jlexuolaris, Lepomis .salmonea, Lepomis notata, and 
Etheostoma calliara, and specimens of the large-mouthed 
Bass he described as Lepomis pallida. 

In 1822, Le Sueur, also a French naturalist, while in this 
country described and named specimens, of various ages, 
of the small-mouthed Black Bass, as Cichla variabilis, 
(this name was never published by Le Sueur, but specimens 
sent by him and thus labeled, are still preserved in the 
Museum D'Historie Naturelle at Paris,) Cichla fasci((fa, 



* "If I have dwelt too long upon this subject, I hope the benevolent 
and candid reader will excuse me; it has originated in my desire to do 
adequate, though tardy, justice to one whose whole life has been devoted to 
science, and who has been singularly unfortunate in his worldly concerns; 
who, notwithstanding his eccentricities, has a kind and benevolent heart; 
and whose labors have never been appreciated as I think they deserve. 
But for this, M. Rafinesque would not, in advancing life, have to contend 
with pecuniary difficulties, from which a small pension from the Ameri- 
ican Government, proverbially generous to her scientific sons, would set 
him free." — Swainson, Nat. Hist, and Class, of Fishes, I., 62, 1838. 



14 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Cichla ohiensis and Cichla minima, and the large-mouthed 
Bass from Florida as Cichla floridana, thus dissenting from, 
or entirely ignoring, Rafinesque. 

In 1828, the great Cuvier and his coadjutor, Valenci- 
ennes, received from Lake Huron a specimen of the large- 
mouthed Black Bass, and which, as in the case of the first 
small-mouthed Bass sent to France, was an abnormal or 
monstrous specimen, having likewise a deformed dorsal fin. 
In this instance, the last three or four rays of the spinous 
dorsal fin were torn off, thus leaving, apparently, two sep- 
arate and distinct dorsal fins, the first composed of six 
spines, and the second of two spines and twelve or thirteen 
soft rays. This specimen was sent to them under the local 
name of " Black Bass," or " Black Perch ; " and not sus- 
pecting the mutilation of .the specimen, they named it 
Huro nigricans — the " Black Huron." 

In the following year, 1829, Cuvier and Valenciennes 
obtained two specimens (the largest of which, at least, was 
a large-mouthed Bass) from New York, under the name 
of " Growler," and four specimens of the small-mouthed 
Bass from the Wabash River, in Indiana, all of wdiich 
they identified with Lacepede's Labrus salmoides, and Le 
Sueur's Cichla variabilis, and which they named Grystes 
salmoides; subsequently Cuvier and Valenciennes announced 
that Lacepede's Micropterus dolomieu was also identical 
with their Gri/stes salmoides. 

In 1842, Dr. DeKay, in his " Fishes of New York," after 
reproducing Cuvier and Valenciennes' figures and descrip- 
tions of Huro nigriccms and Grystes salmoides, described 
specimens of the small-mouthed Black Bass under two ad- 
ditional names : Centrarchus fasciatus and Centrarchus ob- 
scurus, claiming the latter as a new species. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 15 

In the same year, Dr. Kirtland adopted Centrarchus 
fasciatus as .synonymous with Le Sueur's and Rafinesque's 
numerous descriptions of the small- mouthed species. 

In 1850, Prof. Agassiz recognized the generic identity 
of the former descriptions of the Black Bass by Le Sueur, 
Cuvier and Valenciennes, and DeKay, and retained the 
name Grysten for the same. 

In 1854, Prof. Agassiz obtained specimens of the large- 
mouthed Bass from the Tennessee River, near Huntsville, 
Ala., which he named, provisionally, Grijdes nobilis. In 
the same year, Messrs. Baird and Girard described speci- 
mens of the same species from Texas, as GrysteH miecensis. 

In 1857, Dr. Garlick described the small-mouthed Black 
Bass as Grystes nigricans, and the large-mouthed species 
as Grystes mer/astoma. 

In 1858, Girard described the large-mouthed Bass as 
Dioplifes nuecensis. 

In 1860, Prof. Theo. Gill restored Rafinesque's earliest 
name for the small-mouthed form of the Black Bass, call- 
ing it Lepomis achigan; which, however, he changed in 
1866 to MicropteruH achigan; and still later, in 1873, 
he adopted Lacepede's name, Microptcrus salmoides, for 
the same species. 

In 1866, Prof. Gill named the large-mouthed Bass, 
Micropterus nigricans, which name was also adopted by 
Prof. E. D. Cope about the same time. 

In 1874, when, apparently, the oldest generic and specific 
names had been restored ; after Prof. Gill's masterly review 
of the species in the previous year (when the tangled web 
had been, seemingly, straightened), when dry land was 
thought to have been reached at last; — then came the 
French naturalists, again. MM. Vaillant and Bocourt, 



16 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

of PariS; instead of profiting by the experience of their 
predecessors in this matter, tried to show that we had four 
species of Black Bass, where but two really existed, and 
this in spite of the fact that the Gallic misnomer of the 
type species still existed as a terrible warning to them, 
of the folly of indulging their national love of novelty 
where so grave a matter as science was concerned. They 
proposed the title Dioplitcs variabilis for the small-mouthed 
form, and Dioplites treculii, Diop)lites nueccnsis and Dio- 
-pUtcs salmoidcs, for the large-mouthed form, under several 
unimportant varietal, or individual, diiferences. 

In 1876, Professor G. Brown Goode restored Le Sueur's 
name, and called the large-mouthed Black Bass Micropterus 
floridanus. 

In 1877, Professor David S. Jordan restored the still 
older name of Rafinesque for this species, and with the 
full concurrence of Professor Theo. Gill, designated it 
Ilicropterus jiallidus. 

In 1878, Professor Jordan divided the small-mouthed 
species into two geographical varieties, distinguishing the 
Northern form as M. sabaoides var. achigan, and the 
Southern form as M. salmoides var. salmoides. 

Finally, MM. Yaillant and Bocourt (Miss. Sci. au 
Mexique : ined.) adopted the generic title Micropterus, 
but recognized four provisional species: M. dolomieu and 
M. variabilis for the small-mouthed form and 31. salmoides 
and 31. nuecensis for the large-mouthed form, under cer- 
tain, evidently, unimportant variations. As they have not 
yet published these names, they may conclude to suppress 
or cliange some or all of them. 

Thus, it will be seen that, from the first, the nomen- 
clature of the Black Bass species had been involved in 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 17 

great doubt, uncertainty, nnd confusion ; and while much 
of the complexity had been, apparently, dissipated, there 
still existed among ichthyologists some difference of opinion 
as to tlie proper differentiation of the species. Even the 
generally accepted nomenclature of the past i'ew years — 
unfortunately and unavoidably established, as it was, on 
an insecure basis — was liable, at any time, to fall to the 
ground, while the said differences among the authorities 
existed. 

It was the earnest hope of the writer, however, that the 
generic and specific names and distinctions as proposed by 
Professors Gill and Jordan would be found correct, and 
their position prove impregnable ; and that, in good time, 
all naturalists, to avoid further confusion, Avould finally 
agree to accept and adopt the same, and so set the yexed 
question at rest forever; for these eminent ichthyologists 
had really investigated the matter more thoroughly and 
intelligently, and had had larger opportunities and greater 
facilities for doing so than all other ichthyologists com- 
bined. They labored faithfully and well, with strict fair- 
ness, and, with the light afforded them, in perfect accord- 
ance with the established principles of nomenclature, and 
had, at least, placed the anglers of America under a lasting 
debt of gratitude. 

But these very differences among the authorities showed 
that the end was not yet ; that the problem had not been 
solved ; that there was still something hidden that should 
be brought to the light; some flaw in the chain that 
would eventually destroy it; some stone in the foundation 
that would yet crumble and work the destruction of the 
superimposing pile. 

And, now, with much hesitation, and I hope with be- 



18 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

coming modesty (for T do not wish to be thought presump- 
tuous), and with feelings akin to regret — much like that of 
tearing down an old homestead endeared by many tender 
associations and fond remembrances, to make room for a 
more substantial structure — but at the same time feeling 
that I am doing an act that is simply right and just, I 
feel constrained to make a radical change in the nomen- 
clature of the Black Bass as it is at present understood 
in America. 

But in order to arrive at a clear understanding of the 
subject, I propose, in the first place, to present to the 
angler, as well as to the student of ichthyology, all that is 
really worth knowing of the scientific literature of the 
Bkck Bass; in doing which it becomes a matter of neces- 
sity, as well as of choice, to draw liberally upon the 
writings of Professors Gill and Jordan. 

The following disquisitional resume is from Professor 
Gill's admirable monograph, entitled, "On the Species of 
the Genus Micropterus (Lac.) or Grystes (Auct.),'"^ and is 
the most able, concise and original paper ever written upon 
the subject; and, so far as it goes, presents the whole 
matter clearly and succinctly, and according to the views 
of most of our best naturalists. 

The nomenclature of the species has become involved in much 
doubt, and, if we may judge from the literature and the distinctions 
insisted on by Prof. Agassiz and others,f at least four or five species 



■•■■On the Species of the Genus Micropterus (Lac.) or Grystes (Auct.). 
By Theodore Gill, of "Washington, D. C. < Proceedings of the American 
Association for tlie Advancement of Science, XXII, 1873, pp. B. 55-72. 



tin the nominal (1) "Gr^/s^es /asoiaats Aa;ass.," it is said, "the scates cn-e a, 
little smaller, but of the same form as in (2) G. salmoides ; the radiating striae 
are perhaps less marked. They cover the opercular apparatus and the cheeks, 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 19 

are sui^posed to exist in our waters ; but it is evident from a perusal 
of tlie descriptions that tlie distinctions hitherto made are of very 
doubtful value. 

Having been requested ])y the United States Commissioner of 
Fish and Fisiieries (Prof S. F. Baird) to determine the number of 
species represented in the fresh waters of the United States, and the 
earliest names respectively assigned to them, all the specimens in tlie 
collections of the Smithsonian Institution were examined, as well 
as a large series from many other localities kindly transmitted for 
that purpose by the Museum of Comparative Zoology (Prof. Agassiz, 
Director). Study and comparison of those specimens clearly demon- 



but at this latter place their [the scales''] smaller size is quite remaykable ; this 
latter character is very striking when we compare hoth .species." — Agass., 
Lake Superior, p. 296. — The italicized portion (not italicized in original) 
indicates that the O. salmovles Agass. was a large-mouthed form. (3) ^'■Iluro 
nigricans Cuv. is another species of the lower Canadian lakes, which occurs 
also in Lake Champlain .... I shall, therefore, call it in future Orystcs 
nigricans .... Dr. DeKay describes it as Ccvtrarclnis fasciatus. although 
he copies also Cuvier's description and figure of Huro nigricans, but without 
perceiving their identity." Agass., Lake Superior, p. •l^l.—Huro nigricans 
Cuv. and Val. and Centrarchus faneialus DeKay are unriuestionably distinct, 
the former being the large-mouthed species, and the latter the sniall- 
moutlied one. It is probable, liowever (thus giving him the benefit of the 
doubt), that Prof. Agassiz based his idea of the species on the large-mouthed 
form. 

"The species of this group [Grystcs Cuv.] are indeed very difficult to char- 
acterize. Tliey differ chiefly in the relative size of tlieir scales, the presence 
or absence of teeth on the tongue, .... etc. There are, besides, marked 
differences between the young and adults. These circumstances render it 
impossible to characterize any one species without comparative descriptions 
and figures. (4) The species from Huntsville [Ala..] . . . differs equally from 
{G. fasciatus Agass. and G. " salmoneus " Agass. J. I call this species pro- 
visionally Grystes liobilis Agass."— Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts (2), xvii, p. 297, 
298, 1854. 

Prof. Agassiz thus recognized four species (besides indeterminate ones), 
viz :— 

1. G. fasciatus Agass. = M. salmoides. 

2. G. salmoides Agass. (not Cuv. and Val. nor G. salmoneus Aga^s., 1S54) = 
M. nigricans. 

3. G. nigricans Agass. = 3/. nigricans ? 

4. G. nobilis Agass. = M. nigricans. 

Judging by the comparisons, Prof. Agassiz had in view, in 18.54, in the 
"G. salmoneus," the true M. salmoidcu. 

Baird and Girard added to these species, also, in 1854,(5) their G. nuece7isis = 
{M. nigricans). 



20 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

strated that two perfectly distinct types of tlie genus Avere repre- 
sented in most of the waters of the cismontnne (east of the Eocky 
Mountain) slope of the United States, except those of the New 
England States and the Atlantic seaboard of the Middle States. In 
limitation of this general statement it need only at present be re- 
marked that but one of those types, the small-mouthed, appears to 
have been an original inhabitant of the hydrographic basin of the 
Ohio River. 

In order to obtain as clear and unprejudiced ideas as possible 
respecting the species, the specimens from all the localities were in 
the first place examined without reference to their names but only 
with the view to ascertain their I'elations to each other. This ex- 
amination confirmed the previous experiencfe of the author for a 
more limited range, and led to the combination of all into the two 
groups just referred to : between these many difl'erences existed, 
but none were discovered which permitted further definite sub- 
division. The differences thus ascertained may be tabulated as 
follows : 

Contrasted Differential Characteristics, 

Small-Mouthed. Lakge-Mouthed. 

Scales of tnmic 

Small (e. g. led. line, 72-75; be- Moderate {e. g. lat. line, 65-70; 

tween lateral line, and back, 11 between lateral line and back, 
rows). 7. J or 8 rows). 

Scales on nape and breast 

Much smaller than those of Scarcely (on nape), or not 

sides. much (on breast) smaller than 

those of sides. 

Scales of (heeks 

INIinute {e. g., between orbit Moderately small (p., r/., between 

and preoperculum, about 17 rows orbit and preoperculum, about 10 

in an oblique line and about 9 rows in an oblique line and about 

in a horizontal one). 5-6 in a horizontal one). 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 



21 



Scales of inferopercidum uniserial 

Covering only about half the Covering the entire Avidth of 

the bone. 

Scales of preopercular limb 

Developed in an imperfect row 
(e. (J., 3-5 in number). 

Scales on dorsal 



width of tlie bone. 



None. 



Developed as a deep sheatli (in- 
volving last spine) of small scales 
differentiated from those on the 
back, and with series advancing 
high up the membrane behind 
each ray (except last two or 
three). 



Developed as a low (obsolete) 
shallow sheath, and with series 
ascending comparatively little 
on membrane behind the rays 
(none behind the last five or 
six). 



Scales on ancd 
Ascending high behind each None (or very few). 



ray. 



Moidh 



IModerate. 



Large. 



Snpramaxdlary 

Ending considerably in front of Extending considerably behind 

hinder margin of orbit (about the posterior margin of orbit, 
under hinder border of pupil). 



Bays 



Dorsal, articulated, 13. 
Anal III, 10-11. 
Pectoral, M6-1-17. 



Dorsal, articulated, 12 (I. 11). 
Anal III, 10. 
Pectoral, M4 (M3). 



Dorsal fin in front of soft p)ortion 

Little depressed, the ninth spine Much depressed, the ninth spine 

being only about a half shorter being only about a fourth as long 

than the longest (8, 4, 5) and a as the longest and half as long 

fourth shorter than the tenth. . as the tenth. 



22 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Thus numerous and well marked are the differences between the 
two groups; within the limits of neither of these groups were found 
differences in the slightest degree comparable with them, or that 
suggested the differentiation of the forms into distinctly marked 
subordinate types: in other words, no differences were found of 
specific value, and, although a renewed examination may possibly 
result in the discovery of some, their value must be very slight in 
comparison with those distinguishing the two groups indicated: 
these groups may therefore be considered as specific. The question 
now arises. What are the names to which they are respectively en- 
titled? In order to ascertain this, it is advisible to enter quite fully 
into the very complicated history of the genus. Bearing strictly in 
mind the differential features of the two species, we may now 
proceed to an analysis of the successive descriptions of forms of the 
genus and endeavor to refer them to their respective types. 

The first scientific allusions to any species of the genus are found 
in the great work on fishes by Comte de Lacepede.* 

In 1800, in the third volume (pp. 716, 717), Lacepede introduced 
into his system, under the name Labrus salmoides, a species based on 
a description and figure sent him by Bosc from South Carolina, 
which, according to Cuvier and Valenciennes, relate to the small- 
mouthed type. 

In 1801, in the fourth volume (p. 325), Lacepede described, as a 
new generic type, named Micropterus Doloiineu,\ a fish concerning 
which no particulars were given as to habitat or station, and which 
could not have been positively identified from the description : the 
original specimen having been preserved, however, Cuvier and Val- 
enciennes ascertained that it belonged to the genus Grystes, and was, 



=" Lac:6pede (Bernard Germain Etienne de la "Ville-sur-Illon, Comte de). 
Histoire Naturelle des Poissous, . . . Paris, . . . [179S-1803, 4to, 5 v]. 
t" 121e genre. Les Microptfires. 

" Un ou plusieurs aiguillons, et point de dentelure aux opercules ; un bar- 
billon, ou point de barbillon aux machoires ; deux nageoires dorsales; la 
seconde tres-basse, tres-eourte, et comprenant au plus cinq rayous. 
" Espece. Le Mlcropteie Dolomieu. 

" Caracl?res. Dix rayons aiguillonnC'S et sept rayons articul^s a la premifere 
nageoire du dos; quatre rayons a la seconde; deux rayons aiguillonnes et 
onze rayons articules a la nageoire de I'anus ; la caudale en croissant ; un ou 
deux aiguillons a ia seconde piece do chaquo opercule." [Br. 5; p. 16 ; v. i, 5; 
C. 17J. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 23 

in fact, identical with the species described by Lacepede from the 
notes and figures of Bosc as Labrus salmoides. 

In 1817, C. S. Rafinesque* described a form of the same genus 
under the name Bodianvs achigan which evidently belonged to the 
small-mouthed type : while most of the characters noted are common 
to all the species (or erroneous), the number of rays (D. IX I, 14 f ; 
A. Ill, 11 J) and the absence of scales on the preoperculum (gill 
covers "all scaly except the second") indicate the pertinence of the 
species to the group in question : the number of rays (15) attributed 
to the pectoral does not confirm this identification, but the number 
(admitting even the accuracy — very doubtful — in the case of the 
very careless observer) is within the range of variation of the type. 
The exact locality from which Rafinesque derived his types was not 
specified, but they were probably observed by him at Lake Cham- 
plain, Avhere he had shortly before collected (See Am. Month. Mag. 
and Crit. Rev., ii. p. 202, Jan., 1818). 

In 1820, the same naturalist described, in his Avay, various speci- 
mens which appear, almost without doubt, to be referrible to the 
same type. These descriptions appeared originally in the "Western 
Review and Miscellaneous Magazine," published at Lexington, Ken- 
tucky, and were reprinted (from the same types) for the " Ichthyo- 
logia Ohiensis." § No less than six generic and subgeneric names 
appear to have been based primarily on a species of this type and as 
many as seven nominal species, viz.: 



*Rafinesqtje-Schmaltz (Constantine Sfimucl). Museum of Natural 
Sciences. By C. S. Rafinesque, Esq. First Decade of New North American 
Fishes. < The American Monthly Magazine and Critical Review. Vol. ii, 
New York, . . . 1817 (pp. 120, 121). 

t"The dorsal depressed in the middle and with twenty-five rays, whereof 
ten are vspinescent." It is assumed that the last or double branched ray is 
counted as two. 

X " Anal fin with fifteen rays whereof three are spinescent and short." The 
last ray was also in this case probably counted as two. 

g Ichthyologia Oliiensis, or Natural History of the Fishes inhabiting the 
River Ohio and its tributary streams. . . . Lexington, Kentucky ; printed for 
the author by W. G. Hunt. (Price one dollar.) 1S20. (Pp. 26-36). Reprinted 
(with separate pagination and adjustment for form) from the Western Re- 
view and Miscellaneous Magazine, Lexington, Ky. Vols, i, ii and iii (Dec. 
1819 to Nov., 1820). 



24 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Gexera and Subgenera. 

1. Calliurus (n. g\). 

2. Lepomis (n. g.). 

Aplites (n. s. g.). 
Nemocampsis (u. s. g. prov.). 
Dioplites (n. s. g.). 

3. [Etheostoma]. 

Aplesion (n. s. g.). 

Species. 

1. Calliurus punctulatus. 

2. Lepomis jiallida (s. g. Aplites). 

3. Lepomis trifasciata (s. g. Aplites). 

4. Lepomis flexuolaris (s. g. Aplites, or n. s. g. Nemocampsis). 

5. Lepomis salmonea (s. g. Dioplites). 

6. Lepomis iiotata (s. g. Dioplites). 

7. Etlieostoma calliura (s. g. Aplesion). 

Of these, it need here only be in general remarked that the differ- 
ential characters employed result (1) partly from erroneous observa- 
tion, and (2) partly from erroneous assumptions : that is, because the 
author had not signalized certain characters in specimens previously 
examined, but which were noticed in others examined later, he as- 
sumed that they did not exist in the former, and therefore the two 
differed. Inasmuch, however, (1) as all the descriptions cited, best 
(and decidedly so) agree with species of the genus Min'0})terus, and 
(2) as, in those respects in which they differ, they equally deviate 
from all known forms in the waters from which they were obtained, 
and (3) as it is in the highest degree improbable that forms better 
agreeing with them have been overlooked, the names in question are 
all relegated to the synonymy of Mleropterus. Within that genus in 
almost every case some specification (chiefly as to the number of 
rays) indicates that the several descriptions were based on individ- 
uals of the small-mouthed type. This probability is greatly en- 
hanced by the fact that (so far as known or recorded) the small- 
mouthed species was the only one known from the localities where 
Rafinesque observed. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 25 

The description of CdUiurus jmnctidatus, however, it has been 
thought by Prof. Agassiz, was based on a form of the sunfish type 
with hirge mouth. But such coukl not have been the case, as is quite 
evident from the armature of the operculum ("opcrcule with an 
acute and membranaceous appendage, before whicli stands a flat 
spine'"), the contour of the dorsal {"depressed in the middle"), and 
above all the number of the rays of tluit fin ("dorsal fin yellow with 
twentrj-four rays, of which ten are spiny"); in all these respects (as 
well as others), the description is inapplicable to a Pomotid and only 
aj^plicable to a Mlcropterus. 

A couple of years later (in 1822), a much more reliable natural- 
ist* published descriptions of five supposed new species of the genus 
Cichla of Bloch (as supposed to have been adopted by Cuvier). All 
except one (C. ccnea =^ AmblopUtes riipestris) really belong to the 
genus Microptenis, and all the northern forms {C.fasciafa, C. ohiensis, 
C. minima), as is evident from the allusions to the number of rays, 
squamation, or size of mouth, belong to the small-mouthed type, 
Avhile the description of the Floridian species (C.floridana) is as aj)- 
plicable to the same as to the large-mouthed type. The descriptions 
are not sufficiently contrasted, and are too general and therefore 
vague; nor, on comparison with specimens, are the differences sug- 
gested by the mention of characters in one case and their neglect in 
another apparent. As no reference was made to the forms of the 
same type previously described, although the author was doubtless 
acquainted with Rafinesque's memoir, it is presumable that the neg- 
lect was intentional (and doubtless provoked by the character of that 
author's work) and not without strong suspicion that the species 
named had already, perhaps, received designations, but with unrec- 
ognizable descriptions. 

In the great " Histoire Naturelle des Poissons,"f Cuvier and 
Valenciennes described the two species of the genus, but, deceived 
by the state of their specimens — in one case at lenst {Huro nigricans). 



*Le Stteur (Charles A. . . ). Descriptions of the [sic] five new species of 
the genus Cichla of Cuvier. By C. A. Le Sueur. Read June 11, 1822. <Jour- 
nal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Vol. ii. Part i. 

Philadelphia, 1821. [Pp. 214-221]. 

t CuviEU (Georges Chretien Leopold Dagobert baron) and Achille Valen- 
ciennes. Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, .... Paris, .... 1828-1849. [t. ii, 
1828, pp. 121-12G ; t. iii, 1829, pp. 54-58]. . 
3 



26 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

completely failed to recognize the relations of tlie two. (1) In 1828 
(tome second, pp. 124-126) they described the large-mouthed species 
as a new generic type (under the name H-iivo nh^ric.ann), hut, misled 
by an injury to the spinous portion of the dorsal fin (and apparently 
the loss of the seventh spine), they ranked it in their group of Per- 
coids with two dorsal fins, attriljuting to it a first dorsal with six 
spines, and a second with two spines in front (instead of ten dorsal 
spines). (2) In the following year (1829) and volume (tome troisifime, 
pp. 54-58), they described the small-mouthed species, identifying it 
with the Labrns salmoides of Lacepede, and forming for it (and at 
the same time associating with it an Australian fish) the genus Grys- 
tes: this was referred to the section of Percoids with a single dorsal 
fin and placed after Centropriates and before Rhjpticvs. The de- 
scriptions of both species (after making allowance for the error in- 
duced by the state of the dorsal in Huru) were quite good, and es- 
pecially in the case of Gnjstes salmoides, much better than any sub- 
sequently published, and they can consequently be identified without 
difficulty. 

Subsequently, Dr. DeKay, in his "Zoology of New York,"* re- 
produced the figures and (in a modified form) the descriptions of 
the two species from Cuvier and Valenciennes' work ; but, failing to 
identify them, redescribed and refigured one of them {Orystes sal- 
moides) under two names {Centrarclms fasciatiis=^Cichla fasciata 
Les., and Centrarchiis obscurus DeKay, n. sp.). Of course all were 
adopted by Dr, Storer in his '' Synopsis of the Fishes of North Amer- 
ica."f In those works, therefoi'e, the species stand under three generic 
and four specific names. 

In 1850, Prof. Agassiz, in his " Lake Superior,";!; decidedly advanced 



-Dp:Kay (James E. . .). Zoology of New York, or the New York Fauna; 
comprising detailed descriptions of all tlie animals hitherto observed within 
tlie State of New York, with brief notifes of those occasionally found near its 
borders, and accompanied bj' appropriate illustrations. By James E. DeKaJ^ 
Part IV. Fishes.— Albany ; printed by W. & A. White & J. Visscher. 1842. 
[4to, xiv [1, errata], 415 pp.; atlas, 1 p. 1., V9 p. 1]. 

t Stoker (David Humphreys"). A Synopsis of the Fishes of North America. 
<Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. New series. 
Vol. ii. (Cambridge, 1846), pp. 25:^-550. 

A synopsis of the Fishes of North America. . . . Cambridge: INIetcnlf and 

Company, printers to the University. 1846. [4t.o, 1 p. 1. {= title ), 29< pp.] 

{Agassiz (Louis). Lake Superior; its Physical Character; Vegetation 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLA/^'K BASS. 27 

beyond his predecessors, (1) recognizing, for the first time, tlie generic 
identity of the forms described by LeSuenr, Cuvier and Valenciennes, 
and DeKay, (2) retaining for the genus tlms enlarged the name 
Grystes, and (3) recognizing two species as inhabitants of the north; 
he was, however, less fortunate in his appreciation of their specific 
relations, (1) his Gri/stes fascialas being the small-mouthed form, (2) 
his " G)y.itt's salvwneu.s " (as is evident from the contrasted charac- 
ters noticed in his comparison of G. fasciafiis with it) being the 
large-mouthed southern form, and (3) his Grt/stes nigricans being 
difterentiated without statement of reasons and the Cenirarchns fas- 
ciutus of DeKay identified with it. 

At a later period (1851), Proi. Agassiz distinguished specimens 
of the genus obtained from Huiitsville,'^' Alabama, as Gnjsies nohilis, 
which evidently belongs to the large-)nouthed type ; the brief notice 
is only comparative, contrasted with the small-mouthed type, and 
contains no specific peculiarities. 

In the same year and month (March, 1854), Messrs. Baird and 
Girardf described specimens of the same type from the " Rio Frio 
and Rio Nueces, Texas," under the name Grystes nvereiisis. This 
form was subsequently descril)ed in greater detail and illustrated by 
Dr. Ciiarles Girard, in tlie Report on the Mexican boundary Survey. 

In 1857, Dr. Theodatus Garlick,J of Cleveland, Ohio, in a treatise 
on the propagation of fish, described and published rough woodcut 
figures of the two forms of the genus: (1) the small-mouthed species 
under the name "Gri/stes nigricans ; or black bass;" (2) the other, 
as a new species, designated "Grgstes viegasivma ; or large-mouth 



and Animals, compared with tliose of other and similar regions. . . . Boston; 
1850. (p. 295.) 

=■■ Agassiz (Louis). Notice of a collection of Fishes from the southern bend 
of the Tennessee River, Alabama. . . <The American Journal of Science and 
Arts, second series. Vol. xvii. . . . 1854. [pp. 297-30S; 3K-3(j5=Grystes, pp. 297, 
298]. 

t Baikd (Spencer FuUerton'i find Charles Girard. Descriptions of new 
species of Fishes collected in Texas, New Mexico, and Sonor-'i, bj' INIr. John H. 
Clirk, on the U. S. and Mexican Boundary Survey, and in Texas by Capt. 
Stewart "Van Vliet, U. S. A. . . .< Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sci- 
ences of Pliiladelphia. Vol. vii, 1854, 1855. [pp. 24-29 ; Grystes, p. 25]. 

I Garliciv (Theodatus). A treatise on the Artificial Propagation of certain 
kinds of Fish, with the de-criptions of such kinds as nrc the most suitaljle for 
pisciculture. ... Cleveland, Tho. Brown, ijublislier, Ohio Planner office, 1857. 
[12nio, 142 pp. Grystes, pp. 1U5-110.] 



28 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

black bass."* The species are quite well distinguished by the size 
of the mouth and the comparative size of tlie scales: his Gnjstcs ni- 
gricans is, however, not the true Gri/.tlcs niyricuas {Hiiro niyricaiis, 
Cuv. & Val.), as tliat name really belongs to his Gry.^tes meijitsUima. 

t\\ 1859, Dr. Giintherf described specimens of the small-mouthed 
species under the name Orystes sulmoide.s. and first restricted the 
genus to that species (having removed the Australian species as the 
type of a new genus — OUgoriiH). Having overlooked the rectilica- 
tious by Prof. Agassiz, he continued the errors ot his predecessors, 
admitting as nominal species (1) Huro nigricans, (2) Ceutrurclias 
faiiciatus, and (3) Ccatrarchus obsciiriis, and also the same species 
as doubtful forms (in foot-notes) of Grgstcs, i. e., G. nuecensis and 
G. fasciutu.s. 

For the present, the notices and descriptions of the several forms 
of the genus by other authors may be passed over in silence, as they 
do not involve any questions of nomenclature. It may be added, 
however, (1) that tiie author had long recognized the existence and 
differences of the two species of the genus, one under the name Mi- 
cropteriis achiyan, the other as Micropterus nigricans, and (2) that 
Prof. Cope, under the names Micropterus fasciutus (which he at- 
tributed to the present author through some misapprehension) and 
ATicrajjlerns nigricans has signalized the same species from widely 
distant regions (e. g., Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina), and has 
evidently understood their relations. 

Analysis of all the published descriptions and comparison with the 
fishes themselves, led to the following conclusions : 

Section 1. — Morphological. 

After an examination and comparison with each other of specimens 
from the great lakes (Champlain to Michigan), the states of New York, 
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, 
Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, North 



- " This flsh has been identifle;! with the common black bass (Gri/sles fdsci- 
tdus), but is by no means the same flsh, diflering in many respects, both in its 
nabits and physical structure, and has not been described in any work on 
American fishes, so fiir as I can learn " {np.cit. p. 108). 

f GuNTHicR (Albert). Catalogue of tlie Acanthoptevygian Fishes in the 
(JoUection of the British Museum, . . . Vol. i, . . . Loudon, . . . 1859 [pp. :i52-255jb 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE EEACK BASS. 29 

and South Carolina, and Georgia, no differences could be found 
much, if any greater, than such as could be detected among numer- 
ous individuals from any givenjocality. There are differences result- 
ing from age and condition ; the fins may be (slightly) more or less 
developed, and the colors may be more or less intense, but no devia- 
tions iiave been found, from the ordinary standard, of such a charac- 
ter as at all to compare, for example, with the differences between the 
large-mouthed and small-mouthed forms, or to indicate that there 
are any specific differences among the small-mouthed or large-monthed 
forms. The natural course, then, appears to be to recognize only the 
two forms whose differences are so obvious as species, and — at least 
till differences may be detected, of which none have yet been found — 
to consider all the other forms, and from all localities, however dis- 
tant they may be, as representatives or varieties of those species. 

Section 2. — Xomexclature. 

A critical analysis of the numerous notices and dei-criptions of 
the forms of the genus indicates that the differences between the 
respective species have been very imperfectly apprehended, and 
mostly confined to the size of the mouth and in vague terms to the 
size (comparatively large or small) of the scales: most of the other 
differences signalized are either non-existent or individual and de- 
pendent on the condition of the speciniens. The charge of vague- 
ness and insufficiency of diagnosis is especially applicable to the 
first descriptions of species of tlie genus; guided, however, by a 
knowledge of the geographical distribution of the genus and hints 
furnished by the radial formulas, etc., it may be safely concluded, 

(1) that most of the names referred to in the historical introduction 
may be relegated to the synonymy of the small-mouthed species; 

(2) that the first name applied to that species was Lahrvs salinoides ; 

(3) that only the names Iliiro nigricans, (and most of its derivatives), 
Gri/sies mcijastoma, Gn/stes nobilis, and DiopJites nueccnsis belong 
to the large-mouthed species; (4) that the name nigricans is there- 
fore the first specific term applicable to it ; (5) that the name Micro- 
ptcrus was the first applied to the genus; and (6) that therefore, if we 
only take into consideration the priority of the names (irrespective 
of the applicability or erroncousnessof the description), and combine 
the first specific names applied to the respective species with the first 



30 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

generic name given to a representative of tlie genus, the two species 
should be designated as («) Micropttnis sdlmoides, the small-mouthed 
l)lack bass, and {b) Micropterus nigricans,[_^'~\ the large-mouthed 
black b:iss. 

In 1873, Professor Gill traced back the large-mouthed 
Black Bass only to Huro 7iigricans Cuv. & Yah, and 
nnnied it IlicropLcrus nigricans (C. & V.) Gill, as shown in 
the foregoing review. 

Bat in 1874, Professor G. Brown Goodc, while collect- 
ing in Florida, found this species exceedingly abundant, 
and the only species of the Black Bass re})resented in that 
State; consequently, in 1876, he restored the name be- 
stowed on this species, from the same locality, by Le Sueur, 
in 1822 (yCichla floridana), and in accordance with the law 
of ])riority, called it Micropterus jioridanus (Le Sueur) 
Goode. 

In the following year (1877), however, Professor Jordan 
found that the same species w^as very numerous in the 
tributaries of the Ohio Eiver, in Kentucky, where Rafin- 
esque fished in 1818-20,*and after a thorough investigation, 
he and Prof. Gill identified this species as Lepomis pallida 
Eaf.; whereupon, in obedience to the same law of pre- 
cedence, they gaye to it its present name, MicropAerus 
pallidas (Raf.) Gill and Jordan; which, by the way, is as 
appropriate as all other synonyms are incongruous, and 
which might be expected from its having been the name 
by which the species was designated by a naturalist who 
took his specimens, alive and kicking, from nature's book. f 



'■' Profs. GiU and Jordan subsoqnently substituted Micmpteni.^ paUidus for 
Micropterus nigricans, for reasons which wiU appear hxter in this chapter. — 
J. A. H. 



t" In further justification of the opinions here advanced, it may be 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 31 

In order to make it perfectly clear why this change of 
name was considered necessary, I can not do better than 
to reproduce the following characteristic communication 
from the pen of Prof David S. Jordan to the anglers of 
America : — * 

Since the publication of the name Micropfcrns pcdlidus (Eaf.), 
Gill and Jordan, as a substitute for Mlcrojitcrus nigricans for the 
scientific name of the large-mouthed Black Bass, I have received 
numerous congratulations, verbal and written, from brother fisher- 
men on the api)ropriateness of the name " selected," and I presume 
that my colleague in this matter, Professor Gill, has had a similar 
experience. Lately, a correspondent of Foekst and Stkeam sug- 
gests that the name Mlcroptenis salmoides be likewise "stamped out" 
to make room for some more appropriate appellation. It seems 
timely,' therefore, that we should "rise and exjilain." 

The name Micropterus paUidus is not a name of our own selection, 
but a name which by the laws of scientific nomenclature we are 
bound to use. By the operation of these laws every genus must 
bear tiie oldest (generic) name bestowed on any of its members, 
unless this name has been previously used for soniething else, or is 
glaringly false (not simply irrelevant or inappropriate), or is other- 
wise ineligible ; every species must bear the first (specific) name 



proper for me to state that I had the pleasure of M. Eafinesque's society, 
during the three years of my official residence in Sicilj', from 1807 to 
1810, and again in 1812, when we were both at Palermo, prosecuting our 
botanical and ichthyolngical researches together. . . . M. Eafinesque, 
unfortunately, was unable to publish more than a synopsis of his ichthy- 
ological discoveries; and his figures, being very slight, are often not 
calculated to clear up those doubts which the brevity of his descriptions 
sometimes creates ; nevertheless, to one Avho examines the species on the 
spot, in a frefh state, there arc few which may not be identified. ]\I. 
Cuvier often asserts that all INI. Eafinesque's species were deserihed from 
preserved specimens ; but this is an error — they were all taken from the 
life."— SwAiNSON, Nat. Hid. and Class, of Fishes, I, 02, 1838. 

* Scientific Names of the Black Bass. By David S. Jordan, M. D. 
<C Forest ajs^d Stream, XI, 1878, p. 340. 



32 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

imposed upon it (unless, as before, it be for one reason or another 
ineligible), and the proper name of any species must be made by- 
combining the above mentioned specific and generic names. 

This is the law on the subject, and, as elsewhere, the law is usually, 
though not always, simply right. We accept many meaningless or 
even objectionable names to avoid the confusion attendant upon 
arbitrary changes. Were it not for these rules science would ever 
suffer, as it has much suifered in the past, from the efflirts of the 
improvers of nomenclature — men who invent new names for old 
objects for the purpose of seeing their own personal designations: 
Smith, Jones, Brehm, Eeichcnow, or what not, after them. In tlie 
words of "a right Sagamann," John Cassin : "There is not, evi- 
dently, any other course consistent with justice and the plainest 
principles of right and morality, and, in fact, no alternative, unless, 
indeed, an operator is disposed to set himself up for the first of all 
history, as is said of an early Chinese emperor. The latter course, 
in a degree, singular as it may ai)pear, is not entirely unknown to 
naturalists, especially to those who regard science as a milch cow 
rather than as a transcendent goddess, a distinction in classification 
first made by the great poet Schiller." 

Now, as to the names of our species of bass, I take it for granted 
that the reader knows (o) what a Black Bass is and what it is not (6); 
that there are two species of Black Bass, the large-mouthed and the 
small-mouthed, the latter being with most anglers the Black Bass^jflr 
excellence, the other the off horse, and (e) what the difference between 
them is. In any event you will find it all written in Professor Gill's 
most excellent paper, " On the Species of the Genus 3Jicropfents," 
in the " Proceedings of the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science in 1873." 

The earliest published notice of a Black Bass with a scientific name 
was of one of the small-mouthed kind, sent to Lacepede from South 
Carolina. This specimen bore with it tlie name of " trout," after 
the abominable, contemptible, pernicious and otherwise detestable 
custom of our erring Southern brethren of calling a Black Bass in 
the river, or a weak fish in the sea, a "trout." Now, we may pre- 
sume that the great French naturalist was puzzled by this name, 
and put on his spectacles to see what in the world could be " trout- 
like" about such a fish, with its coarse scales and spinous fins. To 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 33 

him it looked more like a wrasse or cunner, Lahrus, than a trout; 
but no matter, it must resemble a trout somehow or the Americans 
would not call it so. fSo he put it down in his great work as Labnis 
saliiioides, the trout-like Ldbrus, to the everlasting injury of the 
fish. The name is not only sen.selcss, but bad Latin, the proper 
form of the word being Suhnonoides. 

Lacepede had another specimen of the Black Bass, without label, 
and from an unknown locality. This one luid the last rays of the 
dorsal broken and torn loose from the rest, and was otherwise in a 
forlorn condition. This specimen he considered as a genus distinct 
from the other, and he gave it the name of Mlcropierus dohmieu — 
" Dolomieu's small-fin." Dolomieu was a friend of Laceptde, who 
had had about as much to do with the fish as George Washington or 
Victor Hugo. No one could tell, either from figure or description, 
what this Micropterun dolcmleu was; but Cuvier, thirty years later, 
found the original type and pronounced it a Black Bass, in poor con- 
dition, and declared that "the genus and species of J/Zcropto-zis ought 
to disapi)ear from the catalogue of fishes." 

Then the versatile and eccentric Professor Rafinesque appeared 
upon the scene, and in I'apid succession gave the small-mouthed 
Black Bass names enough for a whole family. First he called it 
BodiamiH achifjan, being told that the Canadian voyageurs knew the 
fish as Vachujan. Then afterward specimens of different sizes ap- 
peared as CalUurus jninctulatus, I.ejjomifi tri/asciafa, Lcpomis flexuolaris, 
Lepomis sahnonea, Lejiomis voiata, and Etlieostoma ccdVuira. Soon 
after Lc Sueur, with a lofty scorn for Rafinesque and his doings, 
nailed specimens of difierent sizes, Cichla fasciata, Ciclda ohiensis, 
and Cichla minima. Lastly, DeKay, in 1842, called it Cenfrarclius 
obscurvs, and we hope this may be the last. 

Now, the name salmoides, being the oldest, is, of course, the one 
to be adopted. But suppose we " stamj) it out." Is 3ficrop'ferus 
dolomieu any better? Out with it! Mlcropierus ac/iigaii? Just as 
bad. I fear that the "stamping out" process would have to be 
continued too long. You may spell it salmonoides if you like, but 
you can not get rid of it. 

Now for the large-mouthed Bass. The oldest description we find 
is that of a young specimen from the Ohio by Rafinesque, in 1820, 
as Lepomis pallida. The description is poor enough, and not 



34 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

altogether correct, but the name is a happy inspiration, as good as 
salmoides is bad. Soon alter (1822) Le Sueur described tlie same fish 
from Florida as Ck-ldafioridana, a name which would be well enough 
if it were confined to the streams of the orange groves, but it seems 
ratlier narrow in view of the fact that the fish is found in Mexico 
and Manitoba, and every-Avhere between. 

Next, a specimen came to Cuvier and Valenciennes, under the 
I title of "Black Bass of Lake Huron." To their eyes the fish was 
black enough, but not a Bass (/. e. Labrax), and they called it Huro 
nigricans, the " Black Huron," making a new genus for it because 
their specimen had but six dorsal spines, the last four having been 
broken off, leaving two dorsal fins. The colored figure which they 
published remained a standing puzzle for some time. 

In Dr. Kirtland's private copy of his own fishes of Ohio he had 
carefully drawn oif and colored a copy of Cuvicr's figure of his Black 
Huron, and had all his life sought for such a fish in the lakes and 
never found it. About a year before his death. Dr. Kirtland asked 
me if I had ever seen that fish or could tell him what it was, and I 
had the pleasure of informing him that it was a demoralized Black 
Bass. Next, in 1854, Professor Agassiz, thinking that tliis fish in tlie 
Tennessee River could not be the same as in Lake Huron, called it 
Gnjstes nobilin, a good name enough, but 34 years too late. In the 
same year, specimens from Texas were named Orystes nnecensis by 
Baird and Girard, but the fish is found in other streams than the 
Rio Nueces. Then a meaty and excellent name, Orydes megastoma, 
was given by Dr. Garlick in 1857, which closes the American synony- 
my, but the disease has broken out in France again, and Messrs. 
Vaillant and Bocourt, of Paris, who ought to know better, have again 
described it as Dloplitcs treculii and DiopUtes variabilis. The poorest 
business a French naturalist can engage in is that of describing )iew 
species of American fishes. A good share of our cumbersome and 
confusing synonymy is due to Gallic assistance. 

Now, in 1873, Prof. Gill, in his masterly review of these species, 
followed the thread back only to Huro nigricans in 1828, and so 
called the big-mouthed Black Bass, as he was bound to do. Microp- 
tcnis nigricans. The nnmea Jloridamis and pallidas were presumed by 
him to refer to the other species, for the reason that he had never 
seen a big-mouthed Black Bass, either from the Ohio River or from 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 35 

Florida. In 1876, Prof. Goode had collected it in Florida, and so 
felt bound to restore Le Sueur's name and to call it Mcropterus flor- 
idanm. In 1877, I called Professor Gill's attention to the fact that 
there were big-mouthed as well as small-mouthed Black Bass in the 
streams where Eafinesque fished, and he agreed with me at once that 
the Lepomis pallida of Rafinesque was the big-mouth, which is why 
the big-mouthed Black Bass, Oswego Bass, Grass Bass, and Bayou 
Bass is MicropAenis jmllidus (Rafinesque) Gill and Jordan, at present 
date, and such may it ever remain. 

Now, as to the name of the genus itself, the difficulty is just as 
great. The name Mlcvopterus is unquestionably the oldest. But («) 
we are perhaps not absolutely certain that the original Microptenis 
dolomieu was a Black Bass at all; (b) it was described as distinct 
under the erroneous impression that it had a little adipose fin behind 
the dorsal, and (r) the name (small fin) refers to this imaginary pe- 
culiarity, and is therefore incorrect. 

On tlie other hand, the Black Bass really has smaller fins than 
any of its relatives, and the name has therefore a certain appropri- 
ateness. I think, with Professor Gill, that it should he retained, al- 
though Professor Cope and ethers, as good authority as we are, are 
inclined to demur. 

Next comes CalUurus (beautiful tail), not a bad name, for the 
young Bass have the tail ornamented with black, white, and yellow, 
but not a very good name. Then comes Lepomis (scaly opercles), 
previously applied to the sunfishes, and therefore not usable for a 
Bass. Then come Rafinesque's Apliks, Kemocampsis, DiopUtes, and 
Aplesion, unworthy of any attention, although, for some reason, Dio- 
pUtes has kept up a sort of life, while the other three have wholly died. 

Next come the name Haro for the large-mouthed, and Grijstes for the 
small-mouthed. Of course the two do not belong to separate genera. 
The name Gnjstes was given as a translation of the name Growler, 
under which name the Black Bass was sent to the museum at Paris. 
Thus our two species are often called in foreign books the Black 
Huron {Hum nigricans), and the Salmon-formed Growler {Gnjstes 
salmoides). The name Gnjstes is a graceful one, and has been used 
more frequently than any other, but there are seven names ahead of 
it on the record, and first come first served and synonymy take the 
hindmost. 



36 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

The names Labnis, Bodianus, Cichla, and Centrarchiis belong to 
wholly diflerent fishes, and were given by different authors through 
mistakes as to the relationship of the Black Bass. 

I trust that this hasty and rather rambling account will be ol some 
service to the numerous claos of my fishing brethren who like to be 
right in their use of names, and who want to know, you know, but 
who, like Wilhelm Tell, can not " lange prufen oder wahleu." 

In the summer of 1877, while investigating the fish 
fauna of the Alleghany region of South Carolina, Georgia, 
and Tennessee, Professor Jordan became impressed with 
the fact that the small-mouthed Black Bass of the South- 
ern States differed constantly in some features from the 
Northern form of the same species ; consequently, he sep- 
arated the species into two varieties, designating the North- 
ern form as Micropterus salmoides var. achigan, and the 
Southern form as 3Ilcropterus salmoides var. sabnoides. 
His views and arguments are detailed in the following 
extract : — * 

The small-mouthed Black Bass or " Trout " of the Southern 
streams {i. e., Savanah, Altamaha, Chattahoochee, Alabama) differs 
so constantly from Northern rej^resentatives of the same species that 
the two forms may be taken as geographical varieties of one species, 
and it is probably worth while to distinguish each by name. The 
Lahrus salmoides of LacepSde was collected by Bosc, near Charleston, 
S. C. It was therefore, presumably, the Southern variety which 
should be designated as var. salmoides. The oldest name known to 
apply to the Northern form is that of Bodianus achigan Rafinesque. 
The Northern form may therefore be designated as Micropterus sal- 
moides var. achigan, whenever it is deemed desirable to call attention 
to these variations. 

The body is appreciably longer and slenderer in var. scdmoides 
than in var. achigan, the head being about 3]- in length instead of 



* Contributions to N. A. Ichthyology, No. 3, p. 30. <Bulletin U. S. 
National Museum, XII, 1878. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 37 

about 2|. The anal rays in salmoides are usually 10 instead of 11 ! 
the dorsal formula X, 1, 12, instead of X, I, 13. The scales are larger 
in salmoides, there being about 70 in the lateral line instead of 77. 
The coloration of salmoides is uniformly unlike that oi achigan. The 
lower part of the sides is marked by pretty regular lines of dark 
olive-green spots along the series of scales. . The lower fins are usu- 
ally more or less red, and the black, yellow, and white coloration of 
the caudal fin, so conspicuous in young specimens of the Northern 
form — in the Western States, at least — is not noticeable in the South- 
ern variety. 

And now, if we could feel perfectly confident and rea- 
sonably sure that the premises adopted by our American 
naturalists were correct, to wit : that Labrus salmoides La- 
cepede, was the first scientific description of the small- 
mouthed Bass, we could then leave this subject here, with 
the firm conviction that this matter was settled for all time, 
and could thus feel assured of the ultimate and universal 
adoption and perpetuity of the American nomenclature of 
the Black Bass, viz : Micropterus salmoides (Laoepede) 
Gill, for the small-mouthed species, and Micropterus pallidus 
(Rafinesque) Gill & Jordan, for the large-mouthed species. 
In this event, I say, we could rest content ; for, although 
the generic appellation, and the specific title of the small- 
mouthed Black Bass, as proposed, are misnomers (the 
generic name is not very inappropriate, inasmuch as the 
fins are really smaller than in other centrarchids, though 
not in the sense intended by Lacepede ; and the specific 
name, though not in any degree descriptive, was conferred 
by reason of its being called " Trout" in its native waters), 
they are the only names that could rightly be bestowed, 
under the circumstances, and we could well afford to sub- 
mit gracefully to what could not be bettered, or helped. 

But now come our Gallic friends, MM. Vaillant and 



38 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Boconrt, " once more unto the breach," to tell us what 
they know about the Black Bass. In their work (Mis- 
sion Scientifiqne au Mexique: ined.), they propose once 
more to split up our genus Micropierus, this time into 
four species, viz :-^ 

M. variabiUs (Le S.) V. & B. {—M. sabnoides var. achigan Jordan.) 
3f. dolomieu (Lac.) V. & B. {—-M. salmoides vnr. sabnoides Jordan.) 
M. salmoides {hue.) V. & B. (=31. palUdvs (Raf.) Gill & Jordan.) 
M. nuecensis (G'rd) V. & B. {=M. pallidus, with lingual teeth.) 

Dr.Vaillant, however, has only proposed these species 
provisionally, and acknowledges that upon examining a 
considerable number of specimens these specific distinctions 
shade into each other: 

" An premier abord, on reconnait sans peine plusieurs types, en 
ayant egardaux proportions du corps, an nombre des eeailles et a 
diverses autres particuhirites. niais si on examine iin certain nombre 
d'individus, les differences s'attenuent par des transitions gradu- 
elles."* 

Perhaps Dr. Vaillant's views can not be better expressed 
than by the annexed analytical table {'' tableaii dkhoto- 
mique") of provisional species as defined by him, and 
which ex])lains itself: 



f I '^ Ii!L_?|^fiO to 70 scales along/ With lingual teeth Jf. nuecensis G'rd. 

0W3 o sea es i<-, tgool the lateral line. 1 Without lingual teeth- - ilf. saimoicfcs Lac. 

above and be- J ' ' -' v 

low the lateral j i| (n 11 ) 1 09 to 75 scales ^t- vnrinbilis Le S. 

line. J^ aoTTsoj ^'*'"^'''"'' ''"'' '■ |sO to 80 scales -V. dolomieu Lac. 



It will be observed that Dr. A'^aillant proposes the title 



Mission Scientifique au Mexique, Zool. IV : ined. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 39 

Micropterns salmoides for tlie largc-moiitbed Bass; and as 
we call the small-mouthed Bass by the same name, it 
would produce endless confusion were this state of things 
to continue. If the Black Bass of Europe were always to 
be confined to a few preserved specimens and plaster casts 
in the museums, it would not matter so much; but as this 
desirable game fish has been already introduced into Eng- 
lish waters, and will no doubt, in time, be transplanted 
into those of the Continent, it would seem to be a matter 
of some interest to obtain a correct, uniform, and universal 
nomenclature of the species. Even at the present day, 
Dr. Giinther, the great English authority, in a work re- 
cently issued (Introduction to the Study of Fishes, 1880), 
nails Grystes and Tliiro to the mast-head as valid 
genera. 

It will be noticed that Dr. Vaillant adopts the north- 
ern and southern varieties of the small-mouthed Bass as 
provisional species, and likewise separates the large- 
mouthed Bass into two species, one being distinguished 
by teeth on the tongue, the other by their absence. I have 
often noticed this peculiarity of the presence or absence of 
lingual teeth in the large-mouthed species in fish from 
various waters, (and am not sure but I have observed it 
in the small-mouthed species occasionally), but I have 
always considered it as developed, possibly, by the char- 
acter of the food in certain localities, or merely a phase 
of individual variation. Prof. Jordan takes this same 
view of it, as the following extract will show : * 



■•■■Notes on a Collection of Fishes from East Florida, obtained by Dr. 
J. A. Henshall. By David S. .Jordan, M.D. <Proceeding3 of United 
States National Museum, III, 1880, pp. 17-22. 



40 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



12. MiCEOPTERUS PALLIDUS (Rof.) Gill & Jordan. ' 

Dr. Leon Vaillant (Mission Scientifique au Mexique: ined.) 
divides this species provisionally into two, adopting the name " Ml- 
cropterus salmoides " for the ordinary form, and that of Micropterus 
nuecenais (Baird & Girard) for the south-western form (Texas and 
Slexico). 'According to him the two are externally identical, but 
M. nuecensis is distinguished by the presence of a small patch of 
teeth on the tongue, the tongue being entirely smooth in the ordi- 
nary form. 

I have examined a number of specimens in regard to this point. 

I find lingual teeth in the following specimens: 

(1.) Two specimens, one large, one small, from the Falls of the 
Ohio. 

(2.) One small si^ecimen from a tributary of White Kiver at 
Bloomington, Ind. 

(3.) One specimen (in the museum at Paris) from Texas. 

I find them absent in the following: 

(1.) Several specimens in Henshall's collection from Indian Elver, 
[Fla.]. 

(2.) Specimen from Neuse Eiver. 

(3.) Specimens from White River at Indianapolis. 

(4.) Specimens from Lake Erie. 

The presence of these teeth evidently does not depend on age, and 
apparently not on sex. It may be a specific feature, but I am in- 
clined at present to think it only a feature of individual variation. 
I have not seen such teeth in the small-mouthed Black Bass. 

In 1878, Professor Jordan, while in Europe, gave great 
attention to the investigation of the Black Bass from the 
Paris standpoint. He examined, with the greatest care, 
Lacepede's original type sjiecimen, and the specimens of 
Ciivier and Valenciennes, which are still preserved in the 
Museum of Natural History at Paris. He was deter- 
mined to get to the bottom of the matter, if possible, and 
to this end consulted freely, and compared notes, with the 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 41 

French ichthyologist^?, who aided him in every possible 
Avay. 

Professor Jordan afterwards published the result of his 
researches, which forms one of the most valuable papers 
yet added to the literature of the Black Bass, and which I 
take great pleasure in reproducing here:* 

In a recent visit to Europe the writer has had the privilege of ex- 
amining tlie original types of certain species of American fishes de- 
scribed by Dr. Albert Giinther from specimens in the British 
Museum, and by Cuvier, Valenciennes, and others from examples in 
the Museum at Paris. Notes on some of these, the proper identifi- 
cation of which may affect our nomenclature, jire here presented. 

1. MiCROPTERCS DOLOMIEU I.ClCi'phle. 
Lacfipede, Histoire Naturelle des Poissoii.s iv, 324. 

The original type of this species is a large specimen, still in good 
condition. Its peculiarity, which led to its separation from "Labriis" 
by Laceptde, is that the last rays of the dorsal are detached from 
the others, and somewhat distorted, the result of some accident to 
the fish while young. The injury to the specimen is therefi)re not a 
museum mutilation, as I liad heretofore understood, but a healed 
wound. This specimen belongs to the southern variety of the small- 
mouthed Black Bass, recognized by me (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., xii, 
1878, p. 30) as Micropterus salnwides var. salmoidea. Prof. Vaillant 
recognizes this form provisionally (MSS. Mission Scientifique au 
Mexique) as a distinct species {Min-opferiis dolomicu Lac.) from the 
northern form, but the differences seem to me to have uo more than 
varietal value. 

As shown below, there is little doubt that the specific name dolo- 
mieu is clie first ever distinctly applied to our small-mouthed Black 



"■••Notes on Certain Typical Specimens of American Fishes in the 
British Mu^eum and in the jNIuseuni D'Histoire Naturelle at Pnris. By 
David S. Jordan, M. D. <C. Proceedings of United States National 
Museum, II, 1879, pp. 218-226. ' 
4 



42 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Bas3, as the name Micropterus is its earliest generic appellation. 
Unless we adopt the earlier salmoides, its name should, therefore, be 
Micropterus dolomieu. 

On the other hand, it is true that the name Micyoptcrus dolomieu 
was applied to a deformed specimen, which was considered as a dis- 
tinct genus and species solely on account of its deformity. 

It is an established rule of nomenclature (Dall, Kept. Comm. 
ZoiJl. Nomenc, 48) that " a name should be rejected . . . when 
it expresses an attribute or character itositively ialse in the majority 
or the whole of the group in question, as in cases (among others) 
when a name has been founded on a monstrous, abnormal, immature, 
artificial or mutilated specimen." 

The name Micropterus Avas founded on a monstrous specimen ; in 
the sense intended .by its author it expresses a false character, 
although the species really have smaller fins than are found in re- 
lated genera. In the opinion of some writers it .should be set aside 
and the next name in order {Calliurus Eaf.) should be adopted in its 
stead. The species might then stand as Calliurus dolomieu. The 
specific name " dolomieu " is also open to objection, as it is a French 
noun having neither a Latin nor a ger.itive form, but being an un- 
modified name of a person. Tiiis hardly seems to me a reason for 
rejecting the name, although, if retained, it should receive a genitive 
form, as dolomii or dolomiei. 

The question of the adoption of the name Micropterus is still an 
open one. The weiglit of authority is, however, at present in favor 
of its retention, and the writer sees no sufficient reason for setting it 
aside. 

2. Grystes saljioides Curier & Valenciennes. 

Labrus salmoides LacGpSde, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 716. 
Grystes salmoides Cav. & Val., Hist. Nat. des Poiss. HI, 5t, pi. 46. 

It seems rather a thankless task to reopen the question of the 
proper nomenclature of the Black Bass, but it is evident that we 
have not yet reached the bottoiii. The name Micropterus salmoides 
is now generally adopted in America as the proper name of the 
small-mouthed Black Bass, not only among naturalists but among 
anglers and sportsmen as well. In the Museum at Paris, however, 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK EASS. 43 

the same name is fully adopted for the large-mouthed Black Bass. 
Let us inquire into the history of the use of the name sahnoides. 

In 1800, the name Labrus sa/moides was given by Lacepcde to a 
fish inhabiting the waters of Carolina, and known to Americans as 
"Trout." This fish was known to Lacepsde only through a drawing 
and manuscript description by Bosc. B(3th species of Black Bass 
occ\ir in Carolina, the large-mouth most abundantly. Neither draw- 
ing nor description is exact enough to enable us to tell with certainty, 
or even with reasonable probability, which species was meant by 
Bosc and Lacepiide. It is unlikely that Bosc discriminated between 
them at all, both being alike "Trout" to the Carolina fishermen. 
In the figure the mouth is drawn large, and if we 7iiust choose, the 
large-mouth is best represented. 

The specific name sahnoides next appears in the great work of 
Cuvier and Valenciennes (III, p. 54) as Grystes sahnoides. The descrip- 
tion here given is for the most part applicable to both species; the 
small size of the scales ("il y en a quatre-vingt-dix sur une ligne 
longitudinale et trente-six ou quarante sur une verticale."*) and the 
naked preoperculum render it evident that at least that part of the 
description was taken from a ^miUl-mouth, while the accompanying 
figure more resembles the large-mouth. 

We are, however, not here left in doubt. The original material 
of the French naturalists is still preserved in the museum. It con- 
sists of the following specimens as descril>ed by Cuvier and Valen- 
ciennes: 

1. "Nous avons regu, par M. Milbcrt, un individu de huit a neuf 
ponces et un de six a sept. C'est ce dernier qui a six rayons a la 
membrane des ouies et quatorze rayons mouse a la dorsale." 

From one of these specimens the figure in the Histoire Naturelle 
des Poissons (pi. 46) was taken. f This specimen is unquestionably 
a large-mouthed Black Bass. 

2. "Plu.s tard, M. Lesucur nous en a envoye de la riviere Wabash 
un individu long de seize pouces, et trois autres qui n'en ont guere 
que cinq. Les jeunes sont d'un vert plus pale, et ont sur chaque 
fl;inc vingt-cinq a trente lignes longitudinales et paralleles brunes, 
qui paraissent s'eflfacer avec I'age." 



-The very sm ill piecaiuUvl scales are doubtless here included. 
^Fide V.iillaiit. 



44 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

These specimens are still preserved, bearing the MSS. name of 
Cichla variahilu Le Sueur, and belong to the sniall-inouthed species. 
This name, which, so far as I know, was never published by Le 
Sueur, is thus noticed by Cuvier and Valeneienne.s: 

" M. Lesueur, croyant I'espece nouvelle, en a publie une descrip- 
tion dans le Journal des sciences a Phihidelphie, sous le nom de 
cichla variabilis; mais nous avons tout lieu de croire que c'est'ce 
poisson qui est represente et dtcrit par M. de Lacepede (t. iv, p. 716 
et 717, et. pi. 5, fig. 2), sous le nom de labre salmoide, d'apres des 
notes et une figure fournies par M. Bo.sc qui le nommait perca trutte. 
La figure en est un pen rude, mais la description s'accorde avec ce 
que nous avons vu, sauf quelques details, qui tiennent peut-etre 
moins au poisson meme qu'a la maniere dont il a ete observe." 

Later (vol. v, p. v), the type of Microptems dolomieu was re- 
examined and fully identified by Cuvier as a Grystes sahnoides. 

It is thus evident that Cuvier and Valenciennes completely con- 
founded the two species under the name Gtydes salmoides, and that 
the uncertain salmoides of Lacepede became in their hands a com- 
plex species. We may perhaps say that their salmoides must be the 
fish described by them, and that the figure is to be taken into consid- 
eration only when other evidence is wanting. M. Vaillant, how- 
ever, maintains that the large-mouthed species should be considered 
as the salmoides of Cuvier and Valenciennes, inasmuch as one of that 
species served as the type of their published figure. 

The next writers who use tlie name salmoides (De Kay, Storer, 
etc.), have merely copied or echoed the description of Cuvier and 
Valenciennes, and have in no way given precision to the name. 

Later Agassiz uses the name '^ salmonens" (slip of the pen for 
salmoides^' f) apparently referring to the large-mouthed species. 

The description given by Dr. Giinther of Grystes salmoides in the 
Catalogue of the Fishes of the British Museum, I, 252, adds nothing 
to the precision of our knowledge of the species, the characters 
given being either taken from Cuvier and Valenciennes, or else 
common to both species. 

Next a description is given of Grystes salmoides by Holbrook (Ich. 
S. Car., p. 28, pi. 4, f. 2), accompanied by an excellenffigure, which 
leaves no possible doubt of the species intended. This is the large- 
mouthed Bass. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 45 

Omitting papers of lesser importance, we come finally to the very 
able discussion of these questions by Professor Gill (Proc. Am. Ass. 
Adv. Sci., 1873, p. 55-72), in which the whole subject is exhaustively 
treated, and the name Micropterus sabnoldes is definitely adopted ibr 
the small-mouthed Black Bass. This arrangement has been followed 
by most recent ichthyologists. In an important paper just now pass- 
ing througii the press (Mission Scientifique an IMexique), however, 
Messrs. Vaillant and Bocourt have adojUed the name Il'crojjtcnis sal- 
vioides for the large-mouthed species, for the reasons indicated above. 

This question resolves itself into two. Is the specific name sal- 
moides available for either species? and if so, for which? 

Between the publication of the works of Lacepede and Cuvier 
both species had been more than once described under different 
names by Rafinesque and Le Sueur. Of these names, Lepomis pal- 
lida Raf. for the large-mouthed Black Bass, ]\['rrriptenis doloniieu Lac. 
for the southern, and Bodianus achi(/an Raf. for the northern variety 
of the small-mouth have priority over the others. All these, there- 
fore, antedate any precise definition of the name sahnoides. 

The question as to whether a specific name, at first loosely applied 
and afterwards precisely fixed, shall claim priority I'rom its first use 
or not, has been differently answered by different writers, and has 
perhaps never been settled by general usage. I suppose that the 
amount of doubt or confusion arising from its use or rejection enters 
with most writers as an element. The name salmnidc!^, left unsettled 
by Lacepode, has been generally received by writers, in conseqtience 
of the supposed precision given to it by Cuvier. We have seen, 
however, that both species were included by Cuvier under one name, 
and. that we must look farther for real restriction of the species. 
The first distinct use of the name salmoides for any partictilar species 
is by Hoi brook, for the large-mouthed form. (Jn the basis of the 
first unquestionable restriction, the name, if tTsed at all, must be 
applied to that species. Forty years previotts to this restriction, 
however, the specific mime 2Mllid us was conferred on the same fish 
by Rafinesque. 

In the writings of nearly all the older naturalists, as well as in 
many of the later ones, we find descriptions of species which are 
really generic in their value, and which, as our knowledge of species 
becomes greater, can not be disposed of with certainty or even with 



48 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

any high degree of probability, for absolute certainty rarely accom- 
panies any identification. 

In the absence or impossibility of any general rule regarding such 
cases, the following supposed examples will illustrate what seems to 
the present writer a fair method of treating them. 

Let us suppose that the genus M'cropferus contains two well- 
marked species; that to one of these the name salmoiilcs was early 
ai)plied ; that next the names dolomiel and pallidus Avere applied to 
the two respectively, and that suhsequcntbj the name sulmoldcs was 
restricted to the one called palUdus. 

Now if (1) the original salmoides were definitely a complex species, 
distinctly including both, we may hold its author to be a " conserva- 
tive" writer, and that the subsequent restriction, like the restriction 
of a genus, is a change of view or the elimination of an error. In 
this case, the name salmoides should be retained, dating its priority 
from its original use, and applying to the f^-pecies pcdlldus. 

If (2) the original scdmmdcs be not complex, but simply uncertain, 
the probabilities being undeniably in favor of its identity with 
pcdlidus rather than with doloiuicl, it should be adopted instead of 
pialUdus. Absolute certainty of identification can not be expected 
of many names older than the present generation, and each writer 
must judge for himself of the degrees of probability. If we may 
express it numerically, a probability of 75 per cent, should perhaps 
be sulRcient, and this probability should be unquestionable — that is, 
not merely subjective and varying with the mental differences of the 
different writers. 

If (3) the original salmoides be evidently a ^licrnpterus, but hope- 
lessly uncertain as to the species intended, it should claim priority 
from its first use for a definite species of Micropferiis. If the name 
pallidas intervene between its first use and its final precise use, sal- 
moides should become a synonym of pallidus, and should not be 
available for the other species. This rule is followed more or less 
consistently by most writers, and it seems to me a fair one. The 
revival of hopelessly uncertain ancient specific names in place of 
well-defined modern ones is productive only of confusion, and is 
open to gross abuse. The revival even of well-defined but forgotten 
names is confusing enough, and it has been strongly objected to by 
many writers. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE ELACK BASS. 47 

If (4) the name salmoklcs, left hopelessly uncertain by its author, 
should have been definitely used for some species to which it might 
not improbably have referred be/ore the use of the name palUdits for 
the same species, it should be retained, dating its acceptance from 
its second use, antl the name pallulus should be considered as a 
synonym of salmoidcs. 

If (5) the name salmoides should have been adopted by the second 
author supposed in (4) for some species not a Mlcroptervs, or for 
some species -which could not reasonably be identical with the 
original salmoidci<, the identification shoidd be taken as an erroneous 
one, and should not be considered in our nomenclature. 

The actual state of the name salmoides is that supposed under (3) 
above. I do not consider the name salmoides as rightfully entitled to 
priority over either jjalUdus or dolomiei as the specific name of a 
species of Black Bass. If it must be used, however, I think it wisest 
to retain it, with Professor Gill, for the small-mouthed species. For 
this purpose, we must consider the salmoides of LacepSde as complex, 
including both species. The case would then be that supposed by 
(1) above. We must hold further that Cuvier and Valenciennes 
restricted the name to the small-mouthed form. No jjossible settle- 
ment of the case can be free from question or objection. I propose 
to adopt the following view of the case, proposed by Dr. (tIU (in 
lit.), to whom I have submitted the evidence above given. 

Dr. Gill remarks : 

'• I think we can retain our old names (t. c, Mieropterus salmoides 
and Microptents jmllidiis) on the following grounds: 

"(1) Let us admit that Jyibrus salmoides Lac. mcty be the small- 
mouthed. 

"(2) The name salmoides, it may be considered, was re-established 
by Cuvier and Valenciennes for the largest specimen (the small- 
mouthed, according to your observations). The description was 
evidently based on that, as appears from the number of scales, the 
absence of any on the preopercular limb (' le limbe de son preoper- 
cule [etc.] en manquent'), and the form of the dorsal. Even if it 
is certain that the figure was taken from a large-mouthed specimen, 
this would not affect the question, inasmuch as we must accept the 
description when that is definitive, and such is the case here. 

" (3) It may be held that the name is further specialized by Cuvier 



48 BOOK OF TPIE BLACK BASS. 

and Valenciennes by its u?e to supersede the name of Le Sueur 
(p. 55), and as a substitute for M. Doloniieu (vol. v, p. 5). 

"(4) The majority of the C. & V.'s specimens belonged to the 
small-mouthed Bass. 

" (5) The figure was based on a large-mouth simply through acci- 
dence of size and condition, not selected on account of exhibition 
of characters. In the same way, W3 might maintain that the type 
of Pomotis vulgaris C. & V. (although the description plainly points 
to EupomoUs aureus) was Lepomis palUdus [rather auritus'], for the 
figure apparently represents such." 

3. MiCROPTERUS VARIABILIS Vaillant & Bocourt. 

CicJiln vnruibilis Le Sueur, MSS. 

Micropterus vuriabilis Vaillant & Bocourt, MSS., Mission Scientiflque au 
JNIexique. 

This is the ordinary Northern small-mouthed Black Bass, Micro- 
pferus acJngan, or var. achigan of authors, Micropterus salmoides achlgan 
of the present writer. 

The conclusions of Professor Gill at the close of the 
paper just quoted, are based, apparently, on his faith in 
Cuvier and Valenciennes, superinduced, perhaps, by a 
reluctance to re-open the question, and a desire to retain 
our present nomenclature of the Black Bass species, 
for the sake of peace and harmony. If Dr. Gill's 
conclusions could be sustained, and our nomenclature of 
the species become universally adopted, no one would be 
more gratified than the writer; but we can not expect 
peace or security until the matter is definitely, positively, 
and indisputably settled, or, at least, so far as this can be 
done, consistently, with the facts. 

After a careful reading of the foregoing review, it would 
seem that the estimate of the Block Bass species, as enter- 
tained by Dr. Vaillant, should have great weight, and 
meet with profound consideration; and it might be ques- 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 49 

tioned whether Microptcrus dulomicu for the small-mouthed 
Bass, and Ilicroptcrus salnioidcs for the large-mouthed Bass, 
are not more in accordance with the evidence set forth in 
Professor Jordan's clear and exhaustive paper, than our 
own view of the matter, based, as the latter is, upon the 
conflicting testimony of Cuvier and Valenciennes, Avho 
embraced every thing known of the Black Bass, in their 
day, in their Grystes salnioidcs, except Huro nigricans; and 
had it not been for the gap in its dorsal fin, the inference 
is, they would have included that also. I do not make 
this statement unguardedly, or disrespectfully; for while I 
venerate the name of Cuvier, I am convinced that he failed 
to discriminate between the two species of Black Bass.* 

I incline to the belief that Professor Jordan, Mith his 
usual acumen, is disposed to take some such view as this, 
for he says : — 

" As shown below, there is little doubt that the specific 
name dohmieu, is the first ever distinctly applied to our 
small-mouthed Black Bass, as the name llicropterus is its 
earliest generic appellation. Unless we adopt the earlier 
salmoides, its name should, therefore, be Microptevus 
dohmieu.^' 

But why adopt salmoides for the small-mouthed Black 
Bass at all ? It is only synonymous with dohmieu on the 
authoritv of Cuvier and Valenciennes. Does not the 



■-■■"We are again obliged to advert to the partial and often the super- 
ficial examination with which nearly allied species have too often been 
regarded by the authors of the Hist. Nat. des Poissons; an imperfection 
which we can only account for by nearly all their descriptions having 
been made from preserved specimens ; and by supposing that these 
eminent writers, not unfrequently, have been absolutely overwhelmed 
with their materials." — Swainson, Nat. Hist, and Class, of Fishes, II, 407, 

1839. 

5 



50 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

weight of evidence favor the adoption of salmoidcs for the 
larffe-raouthed Bkick Bass? We certainly must take this 
view of it if we set aside Cuvier and Valenciennes' de- 
scription of Grystes salmokhs, whether we retain their 
figure (which was taken from a large-mouthed Bass) or 
not, and we would he justified in excluding their descrip- 
tion, for, as Professor Jordan truly says : — 

" It is thus evident that Cuvier and Valenciennes com- 
pletely confounded the two species under the name Grystes 
salmoides, and that the untiertain salmoides of Lacepede 
became in their hands a complex species." 

Now, if we discard both the description and figure of 
Cuvier and Valenciennes' Grystes salmoides, we have left 
(ignoring for the time both Rafinesque and Le Sueur), 
only Lacepede's Labrus salmoides and 3Hcropterus dolomieu. 

Then, let us take Boso's figure of Labrus scdmoides, first. 
Of this. Professor Jordan says : — 

" In the figure the mouth is drawn large, and if we 
must choose, the large-mouth is best represented.'"' 

Now, if we conclude from this that Labrus salmoides is 
the large-mouthed Black Bass, then the small-mouthed 
Black Bass claims its birthright of 3Iicropterus dolomieu, 
which unquestionably belongs to it. 

This, in short, seems to be the view of Dr. Vaillant, 
and it seems to me to be the correct one, though he takes 
the figure of Grystes sedmoides as additional evidence. 

There is but one contingency that could prove the 
right of the sraall-mouthed Bass to the name Ilicropterus 
dolomieu in a stronger, or absolute manner, and it would 
be stronger, because incontrovertible, namely: the priority 
of Lacepede's description of Mieropterus dolomieu to his 
description of Labrus salmoidcs. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS, 51 

Now, the writer proposes to show that this is the actual 
state of the case, and that Lacepede really described and 
named Mlcropteras doloniieu, from the specimen which is 
still preserved in the Museum D'Histoire Naturelle at 
Paris (and which Professor Jordan examined and declared 
to be a small-mouthed Black Bass), before he described and 
named Labras salmoides from M. Bosc's drawing and de- 
scription of the Carolina " Trout," 

After reading Professor Jordan's paper, so often referred 
to here, and from my personal knowledge of the Carolina 
Black Bass or "' Trout," I became convinced, in my own 
mind, that the name Micropterus dohmlcH should be re- 
stored to the small-mouthed Bass, and that the name Labrus 
sahnoides should be restricted to the large-mouthed Bass ; 
and entertaining these heretical views, I scanned closely 
the literature relating to the early history of the species. 

In collating the bibliography of the Black Bass for the 
present work, I discovered an apparent discrepancy, which, 
if it really existed, had an important and significant bear- 
ing on the proper nomenclature of the s|)ecies, I noticed 
that most American authors, in referring to Lacepede's de- 
scription of Labrus sahnoides, gave the reference as " La- 
cepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss, Vol, III, p, 716, 1800?", 
and that of Micropterus dolomieu as " Lacepede, Hist. Nat. 
des Poiss, Vol. YV , p. 325, 1800?"; thus, of course, giving 
the priority to Labrus sahnoides, as we have always un- 
derstood and accepted it. 

On the other hand, I noticed that Cuvier and Valen- 
ciennes* gave the reference to Labrus sahnoides in La- 
c6i)ede's work as "Vol. IV. p. 716, 717," and that of 

* Cuv. & VaL Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Vol. Ill, p. 55, 1829, and Vol. V, 
p. V, 1830. 



52 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

MicropteruH dolomieu as " Vol. IV. p. 325." I noticed 
further that all references to the figure of Lacepede's Mi- 
ci'opterus dohmieu were given as " Vol. IV, pi. 3, fig. 3," 
and that of Labrus salmoides as "Vol. IV, pi. 5, fig. 2." 
I was at once struck with this discrepancy, for if Cuvier 
and Valenciennes' reference of Labrw^ salmoidcs Lacepede 
(Vol. IV. p. 716, 717) was correct, it would give the pri- 
ority of descriptioa to Micropterns doloiiilcii Lacepede 
(Vol. IV. p. -325). The numerical sequence of the plates 
also gave it priority. 

While revising this chapter of the present book for the 
press, I learned from Professor Jordan that he had just 
received from France, a copy of Lacepede's original edition 
of his o;reat work. I at once wrote to him to ascertain 
which reference to Labviis sahnoides was the correct one. 
His characteristic reply Mas: — 

"In answering your questions I have struck a mare's 
nest; 31. dolomieu, Vol. IV, 325, 1802; L. scdmoidcs,\o\. 
IV, 716, 1802; the latter being in a supplement, which, in 
some of the reprints, is restored to its proper place in the 
o-enus Labrus in Vol. III. From this von will see that 
dolomieu has priority over salmoidcs. I still believe that 
salmoides was intended for the large-mouthed Bass, but 
don't know that I can j)rove it." 

Thus, after the lapse of four-fifths of a century, the 
small-mouthed Black Bass has recovered the name to which 
it is clearly entitled, Microptcrus dolomieu; truth and 
justice have prevailed; Lacep&de and his illustrious friend 
Dolomieu have been vindicated. 

And now let us inquire as to Labrus salmoides.* This, 



Certain it is, however, that Lacepede's Ichtlujolor/i/ will always be a 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 53 

as we know, was the name applied by Lacepede to Bosc's 
drawing and description of the Carolina " Trout." 

It has never been definitely settled whieh species of 
Black Bass was best represented by the drawing or its de- 
scription ; but I think this vagueness existed more in the 
imagination than in realty, and that " the wish was father 
to that thought ; " or, in other words, that we were willfully 
blind in deference to authority ; for, as Cuvier had identi- 
fied it with his Grystes salnioides (which we have supposed 
to be the small-mouthed Bass, inasmuch as lie included, 
also, Cichia variabilis Le Sueur, and Micropterus doloiiiieu 
as synonyms), Labrus salmoides must, therefore, either be 
pronounced a small-mouthed Bass, or be invested with suf- 
ficient ambiguity to admit of its becoming synonymous 
with Grystes salmoides. 

On the other hand. Dr. Vaillant, as we have seen, main- 
tains that Cuvier and Valenciennes' Grystes salmoides is 
the large-mouthed Bass, and therefore truly synonymous 
with Labrus salmoides, he claiming the latter to be the 
large-mouthed Black Bass. Viewed in either light, Grystes 
salmoides Cuv. and Val. is a crux criticorum; but fortu- 
nately it is not essential to us now. 

Let us take Lacepede's figure and description of Labrus 
salmoides, just as they are, on their own merits, without 
any reference to Cuvier's valuation of them ; and to render 



standard authority, even for his supposed errors ; and it will be found by 
those who have occasion to consult them, that he is by no means charge- 
able with several that have been of late attributed to him. The figures, 
on the other hand, although well engraved, ai-e, in general, very deficient 
in accuracy ; the major part being either copies, or drawn by artists who 
were totally ignorant of the scientific details of their subject-." — SwAiN- 
SON^, Nat. Hid. arul Class, of FisJceS, I, 59, 1838. 



54 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the matter plain, I have reproduced, at the close of this 
chapter, fac-.-^hnile representations of Lacepede's plates of 
both Labrus salmoides and Micropferus dolomieu, with his de- 
scriptions, from the original edition of his " Histoire Nat- 
urelle des Poissons." 

In the first place, as Professor Jordan says of the figure 
of Labrus salmoides : " if we must choose, the large-mouth 
is best represented." This is reasonably correct, for no 
one could mistake this figure for a small-mouthed Black 
Bass. Then, Lacepede's description says the opening of 
the mouth is veri/ larr/e (" I'ouverture de la bouche fort 
large "). The radial formula of the dorsal fin is given as 
nine spinous rays and thirteen soft rays ('* neuf rayons 
aiguillones et treize rayons articules a la nageoire du 
dos "). This number of dorsal spines will hold good 
in seventy-five per cent, of cases, in the large-mouthed Bass 
of the South ; sometimes there will be found but eight. 
The rest of the description will apply to either species. 
Then, again, Lacepede, on the authority of M. Bosc, says the 
species is veri/ abundant in the rivers of Carolina, where 
they are called '' Trout," and are caught with the hook 
baited with a minnow (" On trouve un-tres-grande nombre 
d'indivdus de cette espece dans toutes les rivieres de la 
Caroline ; on leur donne le nom de traut ou truite. On les 
prend a I'hamegon ; on les attire par le moyen de morceaux 
de cyprln'^). 

Now, if we had not been trying to reconcile Labrus 
sabaoldes with the small-mouthed Bass, contrary to the 
evidence of our own senses, so as to accord with Cuvier's 
creation of the complex Grystes sahnoides — becoming blind 
to the points of difference and enlarging upon the vague- 
ness and inaccuracy of the drawing and its description — we' 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS 55 

might have discovered that this figure had, as Lacepede 
says, a " very large mouth ; " and that while the large- 
mouthed Black Bass, or "Trout" is "very abundant^' in 
Carolina waters, the small-mouthed Black Bass is appar- 
ently unknown, at least in the vicinity of Charleston, 
where Bosc collected. 

As an angler, I have fished for the Black Bass in all the 
South Atlantic States, from Maryland to Florida ; and 
while I have found the large-mouthed Bass " very abun- 
dant " in all parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and 
Georgia, I never took a single small-mouthed Bass in either 
of these latter states within a hundred miles of the coast. 
I have taken it in the hill-country of each of these states, 
about the head-waters of the rivers flowing into the At- 
lantic, but I doubt very much if it is found anywhere in 
the lowland region of that section of country. 

Professor E. D. Cope, who fished the streams of North 
Carolina, iu the autumn of 1869, from the Cumberland 
Mountains to the sea, found the large-mouthed Bass, 
"abundant in all the rivers of the state," but failed to find 
the small-mouthed Bass, except in the Alleghany region of 
the extreme western part of the state ; and says that it is 
"apparently not found east of the great Water-shed."* 

If the small-mouthed Black Bass inhabits the Atlantic 
slopes of North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, Dr. 
Holbrook would have known it; for there has been no 
ichthyologist before or since his time, who understood the 
structure and habits of the "Carolina Trout" so well, or 
caught more of them. The best description, and the best 



■•■■ A Partial Synopsis of the Fresh Water Fishes of North Carolina. 
By E. D. Cope, A.M. <Pro. Am. Phil. Soc., p. 450, 1870. 



56 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

figure of the large-mouthed Bass (Trout) ever published, is 
fouud ill his work (Ichthyology of South Carolina). 

In order to show that he clearly understood the relations 
of the Black Bass species, I will quote as follows: — "The 
Trout has, however, its representatives both in the North 
and West, with which it is closely allied : as Grystes Ni- 
(/ricaiis {Huro 7iigricans) of Cuvier and Valenciennes, and 
Grydes fasciatus {^Cychla fasciata) of Le Sueur, both of 
Avhich have been referred by Agassiz to the genus Grystes."* 
Dr. Holbrook knew that the southern Trout (large-mouthed 
Black Bass) was neither Huro nigricans (with its two dis- 
tinct dorsal fins), nor C id da fasciata (the small-mouthed 
Bass). He called the " Trout " Grystes salmoides Lace- 
PEDE, for he knew that Lacepede's Labrus salmoides, or 
Bosc's Perca trutta could be nothing else but the " Caro- 
lina Trout " (large-mouthed Black Bass) ; and, moreover, 
he distinctly repudiated Cuvier and Valenciennes' complex 
Grystes salmoides. 

Professor Agassiz clearly recognized the complex char- 
acter of Cuvier's Grystes salmoides, saying he "probably 
mistook specimens of our Grystes fasciatus for the south- 
ern species."t Professor Agassiz regarded Grystes sal- 
moides as the proper name for the southern large-mouthed 
Black Bass (Tront), and in comparing with it Grystes fas- 
ciatus Agassiz, says: "The mouth is less opened and the 
shorter labials do not reach a vertical line drawn across 
the hinder margin of the orbits, whilst they exceed such 
a line in G. salmoides." | 



■•■•■ Ichthyology of South Carolina. By John Edwards Holbrook, jSt.D. 
25, 1855. 

t Agassiz, Lake Superior, p. 295, 1850. 
t Agassiz, Lake Superior, p. 295, 1850. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 57 

And yet we have deceived ourselves, with all this evi- 
dence staring us in the ftiee, with the flimsy delusion that 
Bose's drawing of the ''Carolina Trout" was a small- 
mouthed Bass, simply because Cuvier pronounced it sy- 
nonymous witli Cichla variabilis Le Sueur and Micropierus 
dolomieu Lacepede. 

Presuming that I have proved the names Mieroptcrus 
dolomieu for the small-mouthed Black Bass, and Micropierus 
salmoides for the large-mouthed Black Bass to be rightly 
bestowed, and the names by which the two species should 
hereafter be designated, perhaps it will be well to refer to 
some objections heretofore raised to the generic appellation 
Micropierus, and the specific titles salmoides and dolomieu, 
on the score of irrelevancy. I can do no better than to 
refer the reader to Professor Jordan's paper on this sub- 
ject, on page 31. I might add, hoAvever, thsit jwioriiy , like 
charity, covers a multitude of sins.^"^ 

Micropierus (little-fin) is really less objectionable than 
any of the names yet proposed for the genus, for it has, 
comparatively, smaller fins than any of the related genera. 

Calliurus (beautiful tail) is not at all characteristic of 
the genus, though the young of the small-mouthed species, 
in certain localities, has the tail marked as described by 
Rafinesque : " base yellow, middle blackish, tip white." 

Grystes (growler) is certainly not applicable in this sense. 



* To those anglers who are better posted in the technical terms of the 
great American "game" introduced to the nobility of England by Gen- 
eral Schenck, than in the technical terms introduced here in reference to 
the nomenclature of the great American "game-fish," I need only say 
that Micropterus, and the specific names dolomieu and salmoides, "hold the 
age" over all other synonyms that have taken a hand, from time to time, 
in the " little game." This comparison may be more striking than ana- 



58 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

I have never met an angler who had heard a Black Bass 
" growl," yet it was on the snpposition that it did so, 
that Cuvier gave it this name. We had better stop here, 
for if we go farther we shall fare worse. We will there- 
fore now refer to the objectionable features of the specific 
names dolomieu and salmoides. 

Salmoidcs (trout-like; literally, .valmon-like). Lacepede 
conferred this name simply (and appropriately, so far as he 
was concerned) because the figure was sent to him as the 
"Trout," or "Trout-Perch " of Carolina ; (he might have 
called it boscii It is my belief that if he had received 
Bosc's drawing prior to his specimen — 31. dolomieu — he 
would have named it^the drawing — Labrus dolomieu.) If 
we take its game qualities into consideration, tliere is no 
fish that is so " salmon-like " as the Black Bass ; none that 
exhibits so nearly the characteristic leap, the pluck, and 
the endurance of the " king of the waters." The name is, 
therefore, not altogether inappropriate. 

Dolomieu being a French proper noun, Avithout a Latin 
or genitive form, might be considered objectionable. 
I^acepede used the name, however, in this form, advisedly; 
not through ignorance, nor by accident, but for the sake of 
euphony, and to perpetuate the name of his friend in its 
integrity. In the original edition of his work he uses the 
French form dolomieu, but lias the Latin form as a foot- 
note under each specific heading; while in many of the re- 
prints the editor has left out these Latin names as irrelevant. 

In order to recognize and respect Lacepede's motive, it 
is best to let the name stand just as he wrote it, dolomieu. 



logical, but as Jack Bunsby would say, its force "lies in the apijlication 
of it." 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 59 

As Dr. Vaillant adopts this form, and doubtless for the 
same reason, it is important for the sake of uniformity to 
allow it to stand. There is no lack of precedents for this 
form of specific title. I will merely mention as an exam- 
ple : Icterus balthnore — the Baltimore oriole. The title 
baltimore, as here used, is a proper noun, and was bestowed 
in honor of Lord Baltimore, whose livery was black and 
orange, the colors of the oriole or hanging-bird. Let the 
name of the small-mouthed Bass, then, stand as dolomieu — 
the name of a brave man for a brave fish. 



60 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




MICROPTERE DOLOMFEU. 

(This engraving is a facsimile of that In Lac^pfede's Hist. Nat. des Poissons, 
Vol. IV, pi. 3, ng. 3.) 

Le Microptere DOLOMIEU.* 



Je desire que le nom de ce poisson, qu'aucun naturaliste n'a encore 
ducrit, rappelle ma tendre amitie et ma profonde estime pour I'illus- 
tre Dolomieu, dont la victoire vient de briser les fers. En ecrivant 
men Discours sur la durt'e des especes, j'ai exprime la vive douleur 
que m'inspiroit son affreuse captivite, et I'admiration pour sa con- 
stance heroique, que I'Europe meloit a ses vceux pour lui. Qu'il 
m'est doux de ne pas terminer I'immense tableau que je tache 
d'esquisser, sans avoir sente le bonheur de le serrer de nouveau dans 
mes bras ! 

Les micropteres ressemblent beaucoup aux scienes: mais la peti- 
tesse tr6s-remarquable de leur seconde nageoire dorsale les en separe ; 
et c'est cette petitesse que designe le nom generique que je leur ai 
donne.-}- 

La collection du Museum national d'histoire naturelle renferme 
un bel individu de I'espece que nous decrivons dans cette article. 
Cette espcce, qui est encore la seule inscrite dans le nouveau genre 
des micropteres, que nous avons cru devoir etablir, a les deux 



=•■ Micropterus dolomieu. 

t MiKpos, en grec, signi&e petit. 



SCIENTIFIC HISTOHY OF THE BLACK BASS. 61 

maclioires, le palais et la langue, garnis d'lin tres-grand nombre de 
rangees de dents petite, crochues et serrees; la langue est d'ailleurs 
treslibre dans ses moiivemens; et la niachoire inferieure plus avan- 
cee que celle d'en-haut. La membrane brancliiale dispaioit entiere- 
ment sous I'opercule, qui presente deux pieces, dont la premiere est 
arrondie dans son ^contour, et la seconde anguleuse. Get ojsercule 
est convert de plusieurs ecailles; celles de dos sont assez grandes et 
arrondies. La hauteur du corps proprement dit excede de beaucoup 
celle de I'origine de la queue. La ligne laterale se plie d'abord vers 
le bas, et se releve ensuite pour suivre la courbure du dos. Les 
nageoires pectorales et celle de I'anussont tres-arrondies; la premiere 
du dos ne commence qu'a une assez grande distance de la queue. 
Elle cesse d'etre attachee au dos de I'animal, a I'endroit oil elle par- 
vient au-dessus de I'anale; mais elle ce prolonge en bande pointue et 
flottante jusqu'au-dessus de la seconde nageoire dorsale, qui est tres- 
basse et tres-petite, ainsi que nous venons de le dire, et que I'on 
croiroit au premier coup d'oeil entierement adipeuse.* — (Lacepede, 
Hist. Nat. des Foiss. Vol. IV, 325, 1802.) 



■ 5 rayons d, la membrane branchiale. 

16 rayons a chaque pectorale. 

1 rayon aiguillonnC et 5 raj'ons articul6s & chaque thoracine. 

17 rayons a la nageoire de la queue. 
— [D. X, 7-4; A. II, 11.] 



62 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




LABRE SALMOIDE. 



(This engraving is a, facsimile from Lac6p6de's Hist. Nat. des Poissons, Vol. 
IV, pi. 5, flg. 2.) 

Le LaBRE SALMOIDE.* 

On devra au citoyen Bosc la connoissance du labre salmoide et dii 
labre iris, qui tous les deux habitent dans les eaux de la Caroline. 

Le salmoide a une petite elevation sur le nez; I'ouverture de la 
boucbe fort large ; la machoire inferieure un pen plus longue que la 
superieure; I'une et I'autre garnies d'une grande quantite de dents 
tres-menues; la langue charnue ; le palais herisse de petites dents 
que Ton voit disposees sur deux rangees et sur une plaque triangu- 
laire ; le gosier situe au-dessus et au-dessous de deux autres plaque 
egalement herissees; I'ceil grand; les cotes de la tete, revetus de 
petite ecailles; la ligne laterale parallele au dos; une fossette 
propre a recevoir la partie anterieure de la dorsale ; les deux tho- 
racines reunies par une membrane; I'iris jaune, et le ventre blanc. 

On trouve un tresgrand nombre d'individus de cette espece dans 
toutes les rivieres de la Caroline ; on leur donne le nom de traut ou 
truite. On les prend a I'hamecon ; on les attire par le moyen de 
morceaux de cyprin. lis parviennent a la longueur de six ou sept 
decimetres; leur chair est ferme, et d'un gout tres-agreable. — [Br. 6 ; 
D. IX, 13; A. 13; P. 13; V. G;-C. 18.]— (Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des 
Foiss. Vol. IV, 716, 1802.) 



' Labrus salnioidcs. 
Perca trutta. 3Ianuscrits communiques par le citoyen Bosc. 



CHAPTER 11. 

NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 



Class PISCES. 

Subclass TELEOSTEI. 
Oeder ACANTHOPTERI. 

Suborder PEECOMOEPHI. 

Family CENTRARCHID^. 

Subfamily MICROPTEEIIiI^. 

Genus MICROPTERUS Lac6pI:de. 

SYNONOMY. 

Micro^jterus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. IV, 325, 1802. 
(Type M. dolomieu Lac.) 

Labrus species, Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. IV, 716, 1802. 
(X. salmoide-i Lac.) (Not of Linnreus, the type Lahrus 
viixtus L. belonging to the family of Lahridve, the com- 
mon wrasse-fish of the coasts of Europe.) 
6 (65) 



66 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Bodianus species, Rafinesque, Am. Mo. Mag. and Crit. Rev. 

II, 120, 1817. (J5. achigan Raf.) (Not of Bloch, the 

type of Bodianus, being a marine iish' of the family 

of Seiranidce.) 
Calllurus Rafinesque, Jour, de Phys. V, 88, 420, June, 1819, 

and Ich. Ohi. 26, 1820. (Not of Agassiz, Girard, 

et al.) (Type C. pundulatus Raf.) 
Lepomis Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 30, 1820. (Not Lepomis Raf. 

Jour, de Piiys. II, 50, 1819, the original type Labrus 

auritiis L. being a fresh water sunfish.) 
Aplites Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 30, 1820. (As subgenus of Le- 

j)omis. Type L. pallidus Raf.) 
Nemocampsis Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 81, 1820. (As subgenus 

of Lepomis. Type L. flexuolaris Raf. ) 
Dioplites Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 32, 1820. (As subgenus of 

Lepomis. Type Ij. salmonea Raf.) 
Aplesion Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 36, 1820. (As subgenus of 

Etheostoma. Type E. caJliwa Raf.) 
Cichla species, Le Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. II, 216, 

1822. (G. fasciata Le S.) (Not of Cuvier, the type 

' Ciehla ocellaris Bloch, being a South American fresh 

water fish of the family of Ciehlidce.) 
Huro Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. II, 124, 

1828. (Type H. nigricans C. & V.) 
Grystes Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 

54, 1829. (Type Labrus salmoides Lac.) 
Huro SwAiNSON, Nat. Hist, and Class. Fishes, etc., II, 200, 

1839. 
Grijstes Swainson, Nat. Hist, and Class. Fishes, etc., II, 202, 

1839. 
Centrarchns species, Kirtland, Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. V, 28, 

1842. (C fasciatus K.) (Not of Cuvier, the type 

Labrus irideus Lac, being a fresh water sunfish.) 



1 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 67 

O'ntrarchm species, DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 28, 1842. (C. fas- 

ciatus DeK.) 
Gri/stes Agassiz, Am. Jour Sci. and Arts. (2), XVII, 297, 

1854. 
Dloplites GiRARD, U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv. X, Fishes, 4, 1858. 
Ilicropterus Cope, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 83, 1865. (Name 

only.) 
Micropterus Gill, Ann. Rep. Dept. Agric. 407, 1866. 
Micropterus Gill, Pro. Am. Asso. Adv. Sci. XXII, B. 55, 

1873. 
Dloplites Vaillant & Bocourt MSS. Miss. Sci. au Mexique, 

1874. 
Hum Bleekee, Syst. Perc. Revis. <Ext. des Arc. Neer. XI, 

15, 1875. 
Mlcroptenis Bleeker, Syst. Perc. Revis. <;Ext. des Arc. Neer. 

XI, 15, 1875. 
Microptems Jordan, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. XI, 313, 

1877. 
MicroptervB Jordan, Man. Vert. E. U. S. 229, 1876 ; and 2d 

ed. 282, 1878. 
Micropterus Jordan, Pro. U. S. Nat. Mus. II, 218, 1880. 
Micropterus Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mexique : iued. 

Etymology: ;«t(fpos (mikros), small-; Trtepov (jjteron), fin. 
Type : Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede. 

Head well developed, its length varying from 3 to 8^ 
times in length of body ; compressed ; rather full between 
the eyes; snout rounded; profile straight; lower jaw 
prominent and projecting. Scales on cheek, opcrcle, 
subopercle, and interopercle, but none, or few, on the pre- 
opercle. Eye moderately large, nearly median, but rather 
nearer the snout than the preopercle. Nostrils round and 
normal. 



68 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Mouth large, with the cleft oblique ; the posterior ex- 
tremity of tlie upper jaw extends nearly to, or beyond, the 
posterior border of the eye. Lips but slightly developed. 
Preoperele smooth and rounding at its angle. Opercle 
nearly triangular, emarginate behind, ending in two flat 
points. Suboparcle extends beyond the opercle, ending in 
a membranous point. Interopercle rounded below. Gill 
openings large. Branchiostegals six on each side. Scales 
on all of the opercular apparatus, except on the preoper- 
cular limb, where there are none, or very few. 

Both jaws are armed with pointed, sharp, card-like teeth, 
curving backward. Patches of villiform teeth on vomer, 
palatine and pharyngeal bones. Gill-rakers long and 
stout, and armed with teeth. Tongue moderate and free; 
thick behind, narrow in front; its surface usually smooth. 

Body elongate, ovate-fusiform, somewhat compressed ; 
deepest just behind the ventrals. Scales moderate; smaller 
on breast and nape. Lateral line following curve of the 
back. 

Dorsal fin w^th ten spines ; a deep notch between the 
spinous and soft portions. Anal fin with three spines. 
Caudal emarginate. 

Pyloric coica fourteen or more. Air-bladder simple, 
slightly notched behind. 

Generic Characterizations. 

MiCROPTERUS Lacepede, 1802. — " Un ou plusiers aiguillons, 
et point de dentelure aux opercules; un barbillon, ou point de 
barhillon aux machoires ; deux nageoires dorsales ; la seconds 
tres-basse, tres-cnurte, et comprenant au plus cinq rayons." — 
(Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. IV, 325, 1802.) 

Calliurus Rafiuesque, 1819. — "Corps oblong comprime. 
Tete et opercules ecailleux, preoi^ercule lisse, a 3 sutures care- 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 69 

nees reunies en angle superieurement, opercule posterieur a 
epine sur un appendice membraneux anguleux. Bouche tres- 
fendue, machoires a grandes dents, sans levres, I'inferieure pro- 
longee. Une nageoire dorsale depriinee au confluent des rayons 
epineux. Nageoires thoraciques a 5 rayons dont 1 epineux. 
Anus au mileu. A genre ditfere principalement du genre £the- 
odoma par la forme du corps de la bouche et r(»percule ecailleux. 
C. punctulaliis. Olivatre, parsetne de points noirs tres, rap- 
proches, iigne laterale peu courbee; queue bilobee, Jaune a la 
base noire au milieu, blanche au bout. D. \^, A. y\, P. 15, 
C. 24. Noms vulgaires de I'Ohio, Black-perch et Fine-tail."— 
(Rafinesque, Jour, de Physique, V, 88, 420, June, 1819.) 

Cali.iukus Rafinesque, 1820. — " Body elongate, compressed, 
scaly; fore part of the head without scales, neck and gill-covers 
scaly ; mouth large with strong teeth in both jaws, and Avithout 
lips. Gill-cover double, preopercule divided downwards into 
three curved and carinated sutures, without serrature; opercule 
with an acute and membranaceous appendage, before Avhich 
stands a flat spine. One dorsal fin, spiny anteriorly, depressed 
in the middle. Anal fin with spiny rays, thoracic with none, 
and only five soft rays. Vent nearly medial. 

The generic name means fine-tail. It difl^ers principally from 
the genus Holocentrus, by the head, scaly gill-cover and singular 
preopercule: genus 12 of my 70 new genera of American ani- 
mals."— (Rafinesque, leh. did. 26, 1820.) 

Lepomis Rafinesque, 1820. — " Tliis genus differs from Holo- 
centrus by having the opercule scaly, from Calliurus by the 
opercule only being such, while the preopercule is simj)le and 
united above with a square suture over the head, besides the 
thoracic fins with 6 rays. Perhaps the CaUiurus ought only to 
be a subgenus of this. From the G. Icthelis it differs by the 
large mouth and spines on the opercule. 

The name means scaly gills. The species are numerous 
throughout the United States-. They are permanent ; but ram- 
blers in the Ohio and tributary streams. They are fishes of 



70 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

prey, and easily caught with the hook. I shall divide them 
into two subgenera. I had wrongly blended this genus and the 
letheli under the name Lepomis. 13. G. of my Prodr. N. G." 
— (Eafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 30, 1820.) 

Aplites Rafinesque, 1820. — " Oidy one flat spine on the 
opercule decurrent in a small medial opercule : fiist ray of the 
thoracic fins, soft or hardly s])iny. Meaning, single weapon." 
—(Rafinesque, Ich. Old. 30, 1820.) 

Nemocampsis Rafinesque, 1820. — "This fiiA\ [Lepomk fle.xno- , 
larii\ might perhaps form another subgenus, by the large month, 
head without npper sutures, spine hardly decurrent, nearly 
equal jaws, gill-covers, lateral line, etc. Its tail and pre- 
opecule are somewliat like CaUlurus. It might be called JVe- 
7nocampsis, meaning flexuose line." — (Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 31, 
1820.) 

Dioplites Rafinesque, 1820. — "Opercule with two spines 
above. First ray of the thoracic fins spiny. Lateral line 
curved as the back. Meaning two weapons." — (Rafinesque, 
Ich. Ohi. 32, 1820.) 

Etheostoma Rafinesque, 1820. — " Body nearly cylindrical 
and scaly. Mouth variable with small teeth. Gill cover 
double or triple unserrate, with a spine on the opercule and 
with(>ut scales. Six branchial rays. Thoracic fins with six 
rays, one of which is spiny. No appendage. One dorsal fin 
more or less divided in two parts, the anterior one with entirely 
spiny rays. Vent medial or rather anterior. 

A singular new genus, of which I have already detected five 
species, so different from each other that they might form as 
many subgenera. Yet they agi'ee in the above characters, and 
differ from the genus Sciena by the shape of the body and 
Biouth, and the divided dorsal fin. The name means different 
mouths. I divide it into two subgenera. They are all very 
small fishes, hardly noticed, and only employed for bait; yet 
they are good to eat, fried, and inay often be taken with 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 71 

baskets at the falls and mill races. They feed on worms and 
spawn." — (Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 35, 1820.) 

Aplesiox Rafinesque, 1820. — (As subgenus of Etheostoma.) 
" Dors:il fin single, split in the middle. Meaning nearly 
simple."— (Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 36, 1820.) 

HuRO Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1828. — "Nous croyons pou- 
voir donner ce nom a un poisson que M, Richardson a pris re- 
cemment dans le lac Huron, et qui aurait tons les caracteres de 
Ja perche, s'il ne manquait diB dentelures aux os de la tete et de 
I'epaule, et specialenient au preopercule, qui n'en manque 
presque dans aucune espece de eette famille. 

" Less Anglais des environs de ce lac Fappellent blach-bass ou 
'perche noire, parce qu'il ressemble en effet assez pour le port et 
pour les teiutes a un autre poisson qui porte le meme nom aux 
Etats-Unis, et que nous decrirons plus loin dans notre genre 
ceiitropride, auquel il appartient." — (Cuvier and Valen- 
ciennes, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. II, 124, 1828.) 

Grystes Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829. — " Comme il y a 
des poissons qui, avec tons les caracteres des serrans, manquent 
de dentelures au i^reopercule, il y en a aussi qui joignent cette 
integrite de preopercule a tons les caracteres des centropristes. 
lis sont a ces derniers ce que les bodians de Bloch etaient a ses 
holocentres ; et si nous ne reunissons pas les Grystes et les cen- 
tropristes en uu seul genre, comme nous avons reuni les bodians 
et les holocentres dans notre genre serran, c'est que nous ne 
trouvons pas entre eux les memes passages insensibles." — 
(Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 54, 
1829.) 

HuRO Swainson, 1839. — " Preoperculum entire; body fusi- 
form, but broad in the middle ; head large ; mouth oblique, sub- 
vertical, large; lower jaw longest; chin projecting; dorsal fin, 
distinct, the first smallest; caudal cmarginate." — (Swainson, 
Nat. Hist, and Class. Fishes, II, 200, 1839.] 

Grystes Swainson, 1839.-^" Dorsal fin almost divided into 



72 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

two, the anterior or spinous division shortest, the posterior 
lobed ; preopercuhnn smooth ; mouth large, sub-vertical ; lower 
jaw largest ; caudal emarginate ; sides of the head scaled ; pec- 
toral and ventrals small ; anal fin shorter than the hind part of 
the dorsal. Representing Huro in the circle of Percinie." — 
(SwAiNSON, Nat Hist, awl Cl«xss. Fishes, II, 202, 1839.) 

Gkystes Agassiz, 1.854. — "I have already shown in my 
'Lake Superior' that the genera Grystes and Hum of Ouvier 
do not differ essentially one from the other, and must therefore^ 
be united into one natural group ; moreover, when the fishes of 
Kentucky shall be better known, it may become necessary to 
substitute for either of them the name of Lepomis, introduced in 
ichthyology by Rafinesque, as early as the year 1820, for the 
western species of this genus. If I hesitate to make the change 
now, it is simply because I have not the means of deciding 
upon the value of his many species. The species of this group 
are indeed very difficult to characterize. They differ chiefly in 
the relative size of their scales, the presence or absence of teeth 
upon the tongue, though Cuvier denies the presence of teeth on 
the tongue of any of them, etc. There are, besides, marked 
differences between the young and the adults. These circum- 
stances render it impossible to characterize any one species 
without comparative descriptions and figures." — (Agassiz, Am. 
Jour. Sci. and Arts, (2), XVII, 297, 1854.) 

Grystes Holbrook, 1855. — " Dorsal fin single, though deeply 
notched ; intermaxillary, maxillary, vomerine and palatine 
teeth small and thickly set, or card-like ; preopercle not ser- 
rated ; branchiostegal rays, seven." * — (Holbrook, Ichthy. Sou. 
Car. 25, 1855.) 

DiOPLiTES Girard, 1858. — " Body elongated, sub-fusiform in 
profile, compressed. Head well developed. Preopercle smooth 
and entire. Mouth large ; lower jaw longest. Velvet-like teeth 



" Sometimes there are only six rays." — Holbrook. 



I 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 73 

on the jaws, front of vomer, and palatine bones. Tongue 
smooth. Cheeks and opercular apparatus scaly. Branchial 
apertures continuous under the throat. Two dorsal fins contig- 
uous upon their base. Three small anal spines. Insertion of 
ventrals on a line immediately behind the base of pectorals. 
Caudal fin posteriorly sub-cresentic. Scales well developed and 
posteriorly ciliated."— (Girard, U. S. Fac. R. R. Surv. X, 
Fishes, 4, 1858.) 

Grystes Giinther, 1859. — " Six or seven branchiostegals. 
All the teeth villifbrm without canines ; teeth on the palatine 
bones ; tongue smooth. One dorsal, with ten spines, the anal 
fin with three. Operculum with two points, prseoperculum with 
a single smooth-edged ridge. Scales moderate. The number 
of the pyloric appendages increased. Air-bladder simple, 
slightly notched behind." — (Giinther, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mas. I, 
252, 1859.) 

HuRO Giinther, 1859. — " Six branchiostegals. All the teeth 
villiform, without canines; palatine bones ?; tongue ? Two 
dorsals, the first with six, the anal fin with three spines. No 
denticulations on the bones of the head; operculum with two 
flat obtuse points. Scales moderate."— (Gunther, Gut. Fishes 
Brit. Mus. I, 252, 1859.) 

MiCROPTERUs Gill, 1873. — " Body ovate-fusiform, compressed, 
deepest behind the ventrals, with the caudal peduncle elongated, 
scarcely contracted towards the base of the fin. 

"Scales small or moderate; quadrate, rather higher than 
long, with the exposed portion densely muricated, rounded 
behind and about twice as high as long ; with the fan with few 
(4-9) folds ; extending to the nape and throat. 

"Lateral line regularly parallel with the back, in scales 
nearly like but smaller than the adjoining ones. 

"Head compressed and oblong conic, with the lower jaw 
prominent and the profile rectilinear ; with scales (more or less 
smaller than those of the trunkj on the cheeks, operculum, sub- 
7 



<4 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

cperciilum and interoperculum ( (1) none or (2) few on the pie 
operculum); operculum ending in a flattened point (spine) and 
with the border above it emarginated; suboperculum with a 
pointed membrane extending beyond (behind and above) the 
opercular spine ; preoperculum entire. Eyes moderate, about 
equidistant from the snout and preoperculum ; notrils normal ; 
anterior with a posterior lid ; posterior patulous. 

"Mouth, with the cleft moderately oblique, large (the supra- 
maxillary (1) nearly to or (2) beyond the vertical of the pos- 
terior border of the eye). Supramaxillary with the accessory 
ossicle well developed. Lips : upj^er, little developed ; lower, 
moderate on the sides, but separated by a very wide isthmus. 

" Tongue moderate and free. 

"Teeth on the jaws in a broad band, acute, curved back- 
wards, and increasing in size towards inner rows ; on the vomer, 
palatines and pterygoids, villiform. 

" Branchiostegal rays six (exceptionally seven) on each side. 

"Dorsal Avith its origin behind the axil of the ventral; (1) 
its spinous portion longer but much lower than the soft portion, 
with ten spines more or less graduated before as well as behind, 
and the ninth much shorter than the tenth ; (2) the soft portion 
well developed. 

"Anal with its base shorter than the soft portion of the 
dorsal, nearly coterminal with it, with three spines, of which the 
third is much the longest. 

"Caudal emarginated and with obtuse lobes. 

" Pectorals and ventrals normal. 

"This enumeration of the characters common to the known 
forms of the genus has been drawn up with a view to exhibit 
the features differentiating the genus from the other representa- 
tives of the family Pomotidse. The difference indicated by the 
general expression is coordinated with the greater distance of 
the eye from the preoperculum, the armature of the operculum, 
*He peculiar form of the dorsal and the relatively small size of 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 75 

the anal fin. The elucidation of the anatomical characters of 
the genus and comparison thereof with those of other genera 
are reserved for a future occasion when the distinctive features 
can be illustrated." — (Gill, Proc. Am. Asso. Adv. ScL XXII, 
B. 55, 1873.) 

Phalanx Grysteini (=^Microj)terime Gill.) Bleeker, 1875. — 
" Percse formes corpore oblongo vel subelongato, capita superne 
squamato vel leevi ; dentibus maxillis ; vomerinis et palntinis 
parvis ; pneoperculo edentulo inermi ; squamis trunco parvis 
vel mediociibus sessilibus ; anali spini 3." (Bleeker, Systema 
Percarum Revisum <^Extrait des Archives Neeiiandaises, XI, 15, 
1875.) 

HuRO Bleeker, 1875. — " Corpus oblongum. Caput vertice, 
regione temporali, geuis ossibusque opercularibus tantum squama- 
tum. Squamoe trunco cycloidese? 65 circ. in serie longitudinali. 
Pinnte dorsales non continuse, anterior radiosa brevior spinis 6." — 
(Bleeker, Syst. Perc. Revis. <^Ext. des Archiv. Neerland. XI, 
15, 1875.) 

MicROPTERUS Bleeker, 1875. — "Corpus oblongum. Caput 
genis ossibusque opercularibus tantum squamatum. Squamse 
trunco ctenoidese 90 circ. in serie longitudinali. Pinna dorsalis 
parte spinosa et parte radiosa continuis subsequilongis, spinis 9 
vel 10." — (Bleeker, Syst. Perc. Revis. <^Ext. des Archiv. 
Neerland. XI, 15, 1875.) 

Micropterus Jordan, 1878, — "Body elongate, not greatly 
compressed ; spines little developed, those of the anal fin, three 
in number, small and weak ; those of the dorsal, ten, low, the 
eighth and ninth quite short, so that there is a deep notch be- 
tween the spinous and soft parts of the dorsal, almost breaking 
the continuity of the fin ; caudal emarginate ; operculum emar- 
ginate behind, ending in two flat points ; mouth very large, the 
lower jaw longest; palatine teeth well developed; tongue and 
pterygoids toothless ; gill-rakers long and stout, armed with 
teeth ; supplemental maxillary bone well developed." — (Jordan, 
Man. Vert. E. U. S., 2d ed., 233, 1878.) 



76 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

MiCROPTERUS Vaillant" & Bocourt : ined. 

"Perco'ides a ventrales thoraciques ; six ou sept rayons, 
brauchiosteges, une seule dorsale, occupant la plus grande partie 
de la longueur du dos, avee la portion epineuse niunie normale- 
meut de dix epines ; anales presentant trois epines croisant en 
longeur de la premieje a la troisieme et a peu pres d'egal ibrce ; 
toutes les dents en velours; preopercule a bord lisse, angle 
operculaire en pointe arroudie ne forraant jms une veritable 
epine. Ecailles mediocrement nombreuses, ctenoides, polys- 
tiques. 

"Ce genre, ainsi delimite, ne comprend qu'un petit nombre 
d'especes propres aux cours d'eau de I'Amerique septentrionale. 

"Les ecailles sont cteno'ides, mais en general les spinules sont 
ou rudimentaires ou incompletement developpes ; les variations, 
que nous avons pu saisir, sont les suivantes. Tantot les spinu- 
les ne sont nettement calcifiees que sur une zone plus ou moins 
etroite, bordant la portion libre de I'ecaille et Ic reste-de I'aire 
3pinigere n'est qu' indistinctement hispide. Cette zone pent se 
reduire sur ses parties laterales et n'occuper que I'extremite 
de Tecaille. D'autre fois le bord libre est sans spinules et celle 
ei ne ce rencontrent que vers le foyer dans un espace triangu- 
laire formant la partie centripete d'un secteur; c'est sur le 
Microptcrus variablUs, Le Sueur, que nous avons particulierement 
observe cette disposition. Enfin, les spinules peuvent etre si 
peine perceptibles et il faut y regarder de bien pres pour ne pas 
croii'e les ecailles de la ligne laterale sont toujours depourvues 
!,le spinules, leur canal est a deux ouvertures comme chez les 
f^.entropomes. 

Ces variations, auxquelles on serait tente d'attribuer une 
j^.ertaine valeur dans la distinction des especes, ne nous ont inal- 
heureusement pas presenti une assez grande Constance pour 
jpouvoir etre mises uu usage, les observations devraient porter 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 77 

sur un plus grand nombre de sujets que ceux que nous avons 
eus a iiotre disposition. 

La denomination de Micropterus parait devoir etre adoptee 
preferableinent a cell de Grystes, etablie par Cuvier daus son 
Rerjne animal ou a eelle de Dioplites Ilafinesque, reprise par 
M. Girard. C'est sans doute une application en quelque sorte 
exagiree du droit de priorite, car les caracteres du genre sont 
tres-iniparfaitement donnes par Lacepede el la denomination 
meme est fondee sur une anomalie evidente, cependant, I'individu 
type etant parfaitment connu, 11 peut y avoir avantage a re- 
prendre ce nom, comme I'ont dega fait plusieurs auteurs con- 
temporains. 

S'il est ainsi possible de limiter le genre, il n'est pas aussi ais^ 
d'en distinguer les differentes especes, lesquelles, aujourd'hui 
comme a I'epoque ou I'ecrivit L. Agassiz, sont excessivement 
difficiles a earacteriser. Au premier abord, on reconnait sans 
peine j)lusieurs types, en ayant egardaux proportions du corps, 
au nombre des ecailles et a diverses autrcs particularites, mais 
si on examine un certain nombre d'individus, les differences s'at- 
tenuent par des transitions graduelles. 

D'une maniere generale, le Micropterus variabilis Le Sueur, 
a le corps le plus elevo et le Micropterus sabno'ides Lacep., le 
plus bas, les Micropterus nuecensis Grd., et Micropterus dolomieu 
Lacep., etant intermediaires sous ce rapport. L'epaisseur donne 
des differences peu sensibles ; on salt d'ailleurs que ces varia- 
tions, pouvant dependre de la saison et du sexe, leur importance 
est moindre dans des especes aussi voisines. La longueur de la 
tete rapportee a la longueur totale donne les nombres extremes 
29 et 25, peu differents Fun de I'autre et qui de plus se ren- 
contrent tons deux sur une des especes, la mieux caracterisee 
peut-etre, lo Micropterus nuecensis Grd., Le museau et la 
largeur de I'espcce interorbitaire varient dans une assez grande 
mesure, 35 et 26 pour I'un, 29 et 20 pour I'autre; mais il y a 



78 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

melange eiitre les difFerentes especes, que nous croyons pouvoir 
distinguer, en sorte qu'il est assez difficile d'en faire emploi. 

L'ecart considerable que presente la formula de la ligiie later- 
ale est un des fait les jilus importants, comme indiquant la dis- 
tinction necessaire de plusieurs types, puisque cette formule pent 
varier de GO a 86. II existe, il est vrai, un grand nombre 
d'intermediaire.^, dont le tableau pent faire juger au premier 
coupd'oeil. La formule de la ligne transversale suit une marche 
analogue, puisqu'au dessus de ligne laterale les chifTres varient 
de 7 a 11 et au-dessous, de 15 a 30. II est aussi important de 
remarquer que la progression dans les deux formules est la 
meme, e'est-a-dire que les ecailles sont beaucoup plus petites 
pour les especes eitees les premieres dans le tableau que pour les 
suivantes. 

Quant aux formules des nageoires, la seule exception con- 
statee pour les epines de la dorsale sur le premier exemplaire doit 
etreconsideree comme une anomalie. Les rayons nious ne nous 
donnent que des differences pen significatives. 

Enfin les dent linguales, par leiir presenc3 on leur absence, 
four nissent un caractere specifique de premier ordre, d'autant, 
comme le moutre le tableau, qu'il a pu etre abserve sur des in- 
dividus de failles tres-variees et paraitrait par consequent ne 
pas subir de modifications avec I'age. 

En ayant egard a la combinaison de ces caracteres on pent, 
croyons-nous, d'apres les exemplaires de la collection de museum, 
distinguer quatre especes, que ne sont toutefois proposees qu'a 
titre provisoire, vu I'insuffisance des materiaux dont nous avons 
pu disposer. Le tableau dichotomique suivaut donnera une idee 
de leur comprehension : " 

r 7 A 8 ) l^igne laterale; ^ Des dents linguales - - MT. nuecensia Grd. 
Ligne transversale I , r, Ji 20 5 60 k 70 geailles. ( Pas de dents linguales - M. salmoides Lacgp. 
ayant ' 



pour formule. 9kU ) ( 69 h 75 ecailles M. variabilis Le S. 

I 25 k m S ^^'""^ laterale: | g^ k 8fi ecailles M. rlolomieu Lacep. 

(Vaillant & BocouRT, Mission Scientijique au Mexique, IV, 
Zool.: ined.) 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOL(>GY. 



81 



CHRONOLOGICAL CATALOGUE 

Of the Nominal Species of Mlcropteriis as noticed by various Authors, tvith 
Identifications. 



NOMINAL SPECIES. 



IDENTIFICATIONS. 



Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede 

Labrus salmoidcs Lacepede 

Bodianu.s achigan Eafinesque 

Calliurus punctulatiis Ralinesque , 

Lepomis pallida Kafincsque 

Lepoinis trifasciata Rafinesque 

Lepomis flexuolaris Eafinesque 

Lepomis salmonea Rafinesque 

Lepoinis notata Rafinesque 

Etlii'ostoma calliura Rafinesque 

Cichla variabilis Le Sueur, MSS 

Ciclila fasc'iata Le Sueur , 

Cichla ohiensis Le Sueur , 

Cichla minima Le Sueur 

Cichla floridana Le Sueur 

Huro nigricans Cuvier & Valenciennes , 

Grystes salmoides Cuvier & Valenciennes. 

Centrarchus obscurus DeKay 

Centrarchus fasciatus Kirtland 

Grystes nigricans Agassiz 

Grytes fasciatus Agassiz 

Grystes noliilis Agassiz 

Grystes nuecensis Baird & Girard 

Grystes salmoides Holbrook 

Grystes mcgastoma Garlick 

Grystes nigricans Garlick 

Dioplites nuecensis Girard 

Grystes salmonoides Giintlier 

Grystes nigricans Herbert 

Lepomis achigan Gill 

Micropterus nigricans Cope 



1802 

1802 

1817 

1819 

1820 

1820 

1820 

1820 

1820 

1820 

1822 

1822 M 

1822 M 

1822jM 

1822 M 



Mic 



1828 

1829 

1842 

1842 

1850 

1850 

1854 

1854 

1855|M 

1857IM 

1857iM 

1858'm 

18.j9 M 

1859M 

1800|M 

1865|M: 



cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cro}] terns 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
crojiterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 
cropterus 



dfdomieu. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu? 
dolomieu. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 
salmoides. 
salmoides. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 
dolomieu. 
salmoides 
dolomieu. 
salmoides. 



82 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



NOMINAL SPECIES. 



Micropterus fasciatus Cope 

Micropterus achigan Gill 

Micropterus salnioides Gill 

Dioplites treculii Vaillant & Bocourt 

Dioplites nuecensis Vaillant & Bocourt 

Dioplites variabilis Vaillant & Bocourt 

Dioplites salmoides Vaillant & Bocourt 

Micropterus floridanus Goode 

Micropterus pallidus Gill & Jordan 

Micropterus salmoides vw: salmoides Jordan. 
Micropterus salmoides ^-w. acliigan Jordan. 
Micropterus salmoides Vaillant & Bocourt... 
Micropterus nuecensis Vaillant & Bocourt... 
Micropterus variabilis Vaillant & Bocourt.. 
Micropterus dolomieu Vaillant & Bocourt... 



IDENTIFICATIONS. 



1865 

1866' 
1873 1 
1874; 
1874: 
18741 
1874, 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1878 
ined. 
ined. 
ined- 
ined. 



Micropterus dolomieu. 
Micropterus dolomieu. 
Micropterus dolomieu. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
M. dolo. rar. achigan. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
M. dolomieu vai: dolo. 
M. dolo. xar, achigan. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
Micropterus salmoides. 
M. dolo. var. achigan. 
M, dolomieu var. dolo. 



SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES OF JIICEOPTEPvUS. 

Common Characters. — Body elongated, ovate-fusiform; slightly 
compressed ; arched and thick along the back, thinner 
and straight along the belly ; lower jaw longest ; both 
jaws armed with broad bands of small, pointed, re- 
curved, card-like teeth of uniform size ; villiform teeth 
on vomer, palatine and i)haryngeal bones ; teeth on 
gill-rakers; spinous and soft portions of dorsal fin 
partly divided by a notch; anal fin with three spines; 
caudal fin emarginate; opercule emarginate behind, 
ending in two flat points; supplemental maxillary 
bone well developed. 

* Mouth large; angle of mouth anterior to the posterior border 
of the eye. 

f Third dorsal spine only one-half higher than the first. 

a. Notch between spinous and soft rays of dorsal comparatively 
shallow. 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 83 

b. Scales small on body, much smaller on breast and back of 

neck, and quite small on cheeks; eleven rows of scales 
between lateral line and dorsal fin ; 70 to 80 scales 
along the lateral line (exclusive of small pre-caudal 
scales). 

c. No scales on preoperculrtr limb. 

d. Anal fin almost without scales. (?) 

e. Head moderate in size; slightly convex between the orbits. 

/. Color, slaty or dusky green on back and sides, shading to 
white on belly and lower jaw; young brighter green, 
and more or less spotted and marked with vertical 
bars; tail in young (in some localities), yellow at 
base, middle black, tip white ; opercle with several 
oblique olivaceous streaks; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 11, 

DOLOMIEU. 

** Mouth very large ; angle of mouth extends beyond the pos- 
terior border of the eye. 

ft Third dorsal spine twice (at least) as high as the first. 

aa. Dorsal notch deep, almost dividing the fin into two. 

66. Scales moderate ; not much smaller on cheeks, nape or 
breast ; eight rows of scales between lateral line and 
dorsal fin ; 65 to 70 scales along lateral line (exclusive 
of small pre-caudal scales). 

cc. A single row of scales on preopercular limb. 

dd. Anal fin somewhat scaly. (?) 

ee. Head large ; flat between the orbits. 

ff. Color, olive green, darker on back and shading to Avhite on 
belly and under side of lower jaw ; more or less spotted 
when young ; not barred, though sometimes an irreg- 
ular dark lateral band; three oblique streaks on 
cheeks ; these markings grow obscure with age ; D. X, 

12; A. ni, 10 SALMOIDES. 



84 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

MICROPTERUS DOLOMIEU LAC^pi^DE, 
THE SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS. 

SYNONOMY. 

1802 — Mlcrojjterus dolomieu Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss., 

IV, 325. 

Microptenis dolomieu Yaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. 
jiu Mex., Zool.: ined. 
1817 — Bodianus achigan Rafinesque, Am. Mo. Mag. and Crit. 
Rev. II, 120. 
Lepomis achigan Gill, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliil. 20, 1860. 
Microptenis achigan Gill, Rept. Com. Agri. 407, 1866. 
Microptenis achigan GooDE & Bean, Bull. Essex lust. 
XI, 19, 1879.* 
1820 — Galliums puncliilatus Rafinesque, Icli. Ohiensis, 26. 
1820 — Lepomis trifasciata Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 31. 
1820 — Lepomis flexuolaris Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 31. 
1820 — Lepomis salmonea Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 32. 
1820 — Lepomis notata Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 32. 
1820 — Etheostoma calliiira Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 36. 
1822 — Cichla variabilis Le Sueur, MSS., in Museum d'Hist. 
Nat. Paris. 
Dioplites variabilis Vaillant & Bocourt, MSS. Miss. 

Sci. au Mexique, 1874. 
Microptenis variabilis Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. 
au Mexique: ined. 
1822— Cichla fasciataljE Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. II, 216. 
Cichla fasciata Kirtland, Zoology Ohio (2d An. Rept. 

Geol. Surv. Ohio), 191, 1838. 
Centrarchis fasciatus Kirtland, Best. Jour. Nat. Hist. 

V, 28, 1842. 



* Used on the supposition that the name " Labre salmoTde" as used by 
Laoeptde was vernacular (French), unaccompanied by a classical form, 
and therefore not available. 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 85 

Centrarchus fasciatas DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 28, 1842. 
Centrarchus fasciatus Storer, Syn. Fishes N. A. 38, 1846. 
Grystes fasciatas Agassiz, Lake Superior, 295, 1850. 
Centrarchus fasciatus Thompson, Hist. Vt. 131, 1853. 
Gri/des fasciatus Eoff, Smithsouian Report, 289, 1854. 
Grystes fasciatus Gill, Smithsonian Report, 257, 1856. 
CentrarcJms fasciatus Gunther, Cut. Fishes Brit. Mus. I, 

258, 1859. 
Grystes fasciatus Gunther, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. I. 252, 

1859. (Name only.) 
Centrarchus fasciatus Roosevelt, Game Fish of North, 

217, 1862. 
Micropterus fasciatus Cope, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 83, 

1865. (Name only.) 
Grystes fasciatus Putnam, Storer's Fish Mass. 278, 1867. 
Micropterus fasciatus Cope, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. VI, 

216, 1868. 
Micropterus fasciatus Cope, Pro. Am. Phil. Soc. 450, 1870. 
1822 — Cichla ohiensis Le Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. II, 

218. 
Cichla ohiensis Kirtland, Rept. Zool. Ohio : 2d Geol. 

Rept. Ohio, 191, 1838. 
1822— Cic/i^a7amimaLE Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 11,220. 
Cichla minima Kirtland, Rept. Zool. Ohio: 2d Geol. 

Rept. Ohio, 191, 1838. 
1829 — f Grystes salmoides Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. 

des Poiss. HI, 54. 
Grystes salmoides Jardine, Nat. Lib. I, Perches, 158, 

1835. 
Grystes salmoides DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 26, 1842. 
Grystes salmoides Storer, Synopsis Fishes N. A. 36, 1846. 
Gristes salmoeides Herbert, Fish and Fishing, 197, 1859. 
Grystes salmonoides Gunther, Cut. Fishes Brit. Mus. I, 

252, 1859. 



86 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Micropteriis salmoides Gill, Pro. Am. Asso. Adv. Sci. 

B 55, 1873. 
Mlcropterus salmoides Jordan, Ind. Geol. Surv. 214, 1874. 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Man. Vert. E. U. S. 230, 

1876. 
Mlcropterus salmoides Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Md. 

Ill, 1876. 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. 

Hist. XI, 314, 1877. 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. IX, 

and X, 1877. 
Micropterus salmoides Hallock, Sportsman's Gazetteer, 

373, 1877. (In part.) 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Man. Vert. E. U. S. 2d 

ed., 236, 1878. 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. 

XII, 30, 1878. 
Micropteriis salmoides Henshall, Rej^t. Ohio Fish Com. 

31, 1879. 
Micropterus salmoides Jordan, Pro. U. S. Nat. Mus., II, 

218, 1880. 
1842 — Centrarchus obscurus DeKay, Fishes New York, 30. 

Centrarchus obscurus Stori^r, Syn. Fishes N. A. 40, 1846. 
Centrarchus obscurus Gunther, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. 

I, 258, 1859. 
1857 — Grijstes nicjricaus Garlick, Treat. Art. Prop. Fish, 105. 
Grystes nigricans Norris, Am. Anglers' Book, 103, 1864. 

Etymology: Dolomieu, proper name '^in honor of M. Dolomieu). 
Habitat: Canada to Alabama; along the Appalachian Chain and west- 
ward ; introduced eastward. 

Specific Descriptions. 

Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede, 1802. — " Dix rayons 
aiguillones et sept rayons articules a la premiere nageoire du dos ; 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 87 

quatre rayons a la seconde; deux rayons aigulllones et onze rayons 
articules a la iiageolre de ranus ; Ja caiulale en crois>aiit ; un 
oil deux aiguillons a la secoiide piece de cliaque opercule." — 
[Br. 5; P. 16; V. I, 5; C. 17].— (Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des 
Poiss., IV, 325, 1801). 

BoDiANUS ACHIGAN Rafinesque, 1817. — "Lower jaw much 
longer, gill-covers WMth two flat and short thorns, lateral line 
nearly straight, base ascending diagonal ; blackish witli round 
scattered fulvous spots, belly gray, fins brown, the dorsal de- 
pressed in the middle and with twenty-five rays, whereof ten are 
spinescent, tail lunulated, with a gray edge. — Obs.- vulgar names 
in the United States Black Bass, Lake Bass, Big Bass, Oswego 
Bass, Spotted Bass, etc., and in Canada Achigan or Achigan verd 
or Achigan noir; but many species are probably blended under 
those names, this is probably the Achigan of Charlevoix. It is a 
fine fish, from one to tliree feet long, and weighing sometimes eight 
to twelve pounds, affording a good food, etc. It is found in all 
the large lakes of New York and Canada. It hns many rows 
of small teeth, and is voracious; eyes blue, iris gilt-brown; anal 
fin with fifteen rays, whereof tliree are spine.scent and short, 
pectoral fins fulvous dotted of brown at the base, and with fif- 
teen rays, thoracic fins with six rays, whereof the first is spines- 
cent, caudal fins with twenty rays. This species and the forego- 
ing have six branchial rays, and the gill-covers are composed of 
four pieces, all scaly except the second. Body more cylindrical 
than in the foregoing." — (Rafinesque, Amer. Mon. Mag. and 
Grit. Rev. II, 120, 1817.) 

Calliurus punctulatus Rafinesque, 1820. — "Lower jaw 
longer; body olivaceous, crowded with blackish dots; head 
brownish, flattened above; lateral line hardly curved upward 
at the base; tail unequally bilobed, lower lobe larger, base yel- 
low, middle blackish, tip white; dorsal fin yellow, with 24 rays, 
of which ten are spiny. 

An uncommon fish from four to twelve inches long. I ob- 
served it at the Falls; rare in the Ohio, more common in some 



88 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

small streams. Vulgar names, Painted Tail or Bridge Perch ; tail 
with two lobes, slightly unequal, base flexuose ; belly and lower 
fins pale, anal fin with 13 rays, the three anterior spiny and 
shorter, behind rounded and far from the tail, although nearer 
than the doi'sal fin ; thoracic fin with five rays, none of which 
appear spiny, and no appendage; pectoral fins short, trapezoidal, 
with 15 rays; branchial rays concealed." — (Rafinesque, Ich. 
Old. 26, 1820.) 

Lepomis trifasciata Rafinesque, 1820. — "Whitish, crowded 
with unequal and irregular specks of gilt olive color, none on 
the belly ; gill covers with three large oblique streaks of the same 
color; opercule without appendage, spine acute, a faint brown 
spot below the lateral line; lower jaw longer ; dorsal fin streaked 
behind ; tail forked, yellow at the base, brown in the middle, 
tip pale. 

"Found in the Ohio and many other streams; reaches over a 
foot in lengtli sometimes ; vulgar names, Yellow Bass, Gold Bass, 
Yellow Perch, Streaked Head, etc. Fins olivaceous; dorsal 
hardly depressed in the middle with 24 rays whereof 10 are 
spiny, hind part with three brownish and longitudinal streaks; 
anal fin rounded with 13 rays, 3 of which are spiny, 2 short and 
a long one; pectoral fins nearly triangular and acute, 16 rays; 
thoracics 6, tail 2, very broad, forks divaricate nearly lunulate ; 
eyes small black, iris brown ; lateral line following the back ; 
diameter less than one-fourth of the length." — (Rafinesque, Ich. 
Old. 31, 1820.) 

Lepomis flexuolaris Rafinesque, 1820. — "Olivaceous brown 
above, sides with some transversal and flexuose olive lines, belly 
Avhite; lateral line nearly straight flexuose ; spine broad acute, 
behind the base of the opercule, no appendage nor spot, pre- 
optTCule forked downwards; upper jaw slightly longer; tail bi- 
lobed, base olive, middle brown, tip white. 

"A fine species, reaching the length of two feet, and affording 
an excellent food. Common all over the Ohio and tributf^y 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 89 

streams ; vulgar names, Black Bass, Brown Bass, Black Perch, 
etc.; fins olivaceous, doisal with 23 rays, whereof 9 are spiny 
and rather shorter ; anal Avith 12 rays, whereof 2 are spiny ; 
pectorals trapezoidal, 16 rays; brancliial rays uncovered; iris 
brown. This fish might perhaps form another subgenus, by the 
large mouth, head without upper sutures, spine hardlv decur- 
rent, nearly equal jaws, gill covers, lateral line, etc. Its tail 
and preopercule are somewhat like CaUiurus. It might be called 
Nemocampsis, meaning flexuose line. Diameter one-tburth of the 
length."— (Rafinesque, Icli. Old. 31, 1820.) 

Lepomis salmonea Rafinesque, 1820. — "Olivaceous brown 
above, sides pale with some round yellowish spots, beneath 
white ; preopercule simple, head without sutures, lower jaw 
hardly longer, spines flat, short, acute, and decurrent above and 
beneath, opercule acute beneath the spines; tail lunulate, tip 
blackish ; vent posterior. 

" Length from 6 to 24 inches. Vulgar names White Trout, 
Brown Trout, Trout Pearch, Trout Bass, Brown Bass, Black 
Bass, Black Peai'ch, etc. Common in the Kentucky, Ohio, 
Green and Licking rivers, etc. It offers a delicate white flesh, 
similar to the Perca salmonea. It is a voracious fish, with many 
rows of sharp teeth on the jaws and in the throat. It bites 
easily at the hook, and eats suckers, minnows and chubs. 
Diameter one-fifth of the length. Fins olivaceous brown ; dorsal 
Avith 25 rays, whereof 10 are spiny, slightly depressed between 
them; anal rounded small, 3 and 11 rays. Pectoral acute trap- 
ezoidal 18 rays. Thoracic 1 and 5, spiny ray half the length. 
Tail with 24 rays. Iris silvery." — (Rafinesque, Ich. Old. 32, 
1820.) 

Lepomis notata Rafinesque, 1820. — "This species differs 
merely from the foregoing \_Lepomis salmonea'] by having a black 
spot on the margin of the opercule, two diagonal brown stripes 
on each side of the head below the eyes, and all the fins yellow, 
except the tail, which is black at the end, with a narrow white 



90 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

tip. It is also smaller, from 3 to 8 inches long. It bears the 
same vulgar names, and is found along with it, of which some 
fishermen deem that it is the young. But I have seen so many 
false assertions of the kind elsewhere that I am inclined to doubt 
this fact, as it would be very strange that the gradual changes 
should be so great. Yet this ought to be inquired into, since 
many vulgar opinions are often found to be correct." — (Rafin- 
ESQUE, Ich. Old. 32, 1820.) 

Etheostoma calliura Rafiiiesque, 1820. — "Body slightly 
fusiform and compressed, silvery, olivaceous above, some flexuose 
transversal brownish lines on the sides; lower jaw longer, preop- 
ercule double, opercule with an angular appendage and an 
obtuse spine beiiind it ; scales smooth, lateral line flexuose ; tail 
forked, tricolored, and with a brown spot at the base. 

" The largest species of the genus from 3 to 9 inches long. 
It has some similarity with the Lepomis flexuolaris, and some 
other river Bass, wherefore it is called Minny Bass, Little Bass, 
Hog Ba.ss, etc. Common in the Ohio, Salt River, etc. It has 
sharp teeth. The head is large, rugose above ; iris large, gilt 
brown ; branchial rays uncovered. Diameter one-seventh of 
the length. Lateral line curved upwards at its base. Fins 
olivaceous. Dorsal with 9 and 14 rays, beginning behind the 
pectorals and ending fir from the tail, like the anal, which has 
12 rays, whereof one is spiny. Pectoral fins short, trapezoidal, 
16 rays. Tail 24, fine, base with a yellow curved ring, followed 
by a forked band of a pale violaceous color, tip hyalin. Mouth 
straight."— (Rafinesque, Ich. Ohi. 36, 1820.) 

CiCHLA FASCiATA Le Sucur, 1822. — "Fourteen or fifteen 
transverse brown bands on each side of the body, and two or 
three oblique ones on the opercula, scaly margined with black ; 
spinous and soft parts of the dorsal fin equal in length, the fin 
less arquated upward than the posterior one. 

"Body elongated, compressed, tapering at the two extremi- 
ties, three and one-half times the length of head, by one length 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 91 

in depth ; head of moderate size, narrow, destitute of scales be- 
tween the eyes, and upon the snout, which is short; mouth ex- 
tending beneath the eye ; jaw large, truncated posteriorly, inter- 
maxillary long and narrow ; teeth very small, numerous pointed, 
curved and serrated in the manner of a card on the jaws, palate 
and extremity of the vomer ; inferior jaw hardly longer than the 
superior jaw, mandible strong, enlarged, spoou-sliaped ; eye 
small and round ; iris white, broAvn and red ; pupil small and 
of a deep color; dorsal fin high, rounded behind, arquated 
before, and very low at its junction with the soft part, the 
spinous rays imbricated and reclined into the longitudinal cavity 
of the back; anal rounded, shorter than the soft part of the 
dorsal, with three spinous rays anteriorly ; pectorals moderate, 
rounded ; thoiacics truncated, hardly longer than the pectorals, 
distant from the anal, and armed with a strong spinous ray; 
caudal slightly emarginate, lobes rounded with 17 principal 
rays, including the lateral flat ones, beyond which nre 8 small 
ones; scales rounded, not denticulated, sub-irregularly' 2:»laced, 
large on the sides, smaller on the back, small upon the back of 
the neck, very small under the belly, throat and cheek, and a 
little larger on the preoperculum and suboperculum ; there are 
also very small ones between the I'ays of the annl and caudal 
fins; general color brownish-olivaceous, deep and fuhginous 
upon the back, lighter on- the sides, the middle of the scales 
browned with a black margin ; anal fin greenish ; posterior part 
of the dorsal and the caudal violaceous, abdomen and throat 
bluish and violaceous, the 13, 14 and sometimes 15 bands with 
which this species is ornamented are a little deeper than the 
general tint ; they are more perceptible in the fresh state of 
the fish, when but recently taken out of the water; tlie opercnla 
are also traversed with many olivaceous bands, the lateral line is 
undulated oblique: the color changes in the dying fish, it is 
then sometimes all blue or bluish, or entirely black, and the 
transverse bands disappear. Length 18 or 20 inches. 



\JZ BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

"This is one of the best fish of Lake Erie for the table, and 
with that which the fishermen call Herring Salmon {Coregonus 
Artedl Le Sueur, Vol. I, par. II, p. 231), it is salted to preserve 
it till sold. They are taken at all seasons of the year by 
the seine, and hook and line. We observed them at Erie in the 
month of July, 1816, and at Buffalo, at which latter place we 
captured' many with the seine. A variety occurred in Lake 
George, of which the specimens appeared to us to have the lowpr 
jaw more advanced. The fishermen name them Black Bass. 
B. 6; P. 18 to 20; T. 5; D. 10, 15; A. 3, 12; C. 17f."— (Le 
Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sei Phil. II, 216, 1822.) 

CiCHLA OHiENSis Le Sucur, 1822. — "Extremity of the anal 
fin sensibly more remote from the head than that of the dorsal ; 
scales more regular than in the preceding species. 

"The larger of the two individuals, which were brought from 
the Ohio River by Mr. Thomas Say, and deposited in the 
cabinet of the Academy, is 22 inches long by 5 deep, and 
about 3 in thickness ; the skin of these two specimens is 
stronger in its texture than in specimens from Lake Erie ; the 
scales are more uniformly disposed and equal; tlie anterior por- 
tion of the dorsal fin is not so much elevated, less arquated, but 
also furnished with 10 spinous rays; the soft part is equally long 
with the first, but is more elevated, rounded and composed of 
14 branched rays; the anal fin is rounded, short with 14 rays, 
of which the 3 anterior ones are spinous; the extremity of this 
fin extends beyond that of the dorsal, in these individuals, 
further than in the species of Lake Erie. If this character is 
constant, we must regard it as belonging to a distinct species," 
but I think it is proper to wait for further observations for con- 
firmation. 

"The scales are in the same progression; large, rounded on 
the sides, moderate on the back towards the spinous portion of 
the dorsal fin, small upon the neck; upon the middle of the 
abdomen they are a little more elongated ; very small between 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 93 

the thoracic and pectoral fins, on the throat, the cheek, and 
larger on the preoperculuni and suboperculuni ; the teeth also 
differ little from the preceding species; the pectoral and thoracic 
fins are equal and similarly situate; lateral line near the back, 
a little undulated, originating from the angle of the opening of 
the operculum, passing on the middle of the tail ; color in the 
dried specimens, yellowish brown; the scales did not appear to 
me to be margined with black as in the preceding species. 
B. 6; P. 18; T. 5 ; D. 10, 14; A. 3, 11; C. 16f."—(LE Sueur, 
Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 11, 218, 1822.) 

CiCHLA MINIMA Le Sueur, 1822. — " Dorsal long, spinous and 
soft parts of equal length, the former straight and very low; 
anal long, equal to the soft part of the dorsal ; eye large. 

"Body very long and subcomj)ressed, more elevated towards 
the dorsal anteriorly ; head arquated ; eye veiy large ; pupil 
and iris very large; dorsal fin long, divided into two equal 
parts, the anterior part of 9 spinous rays, and much lower than 
the soft part, which is rounded, with 14 divided rays; anal 
equal to the posterior part of the dorsal and of 13 rays, of which 
3 are spinous, caudal of 15 to 18 rays; pectorals laige, placed 
very low near the operculum ; thoracic fin much smaller than 
the pectoral, nnd placed exactly beneath them; anal large; 
scales very small ; color deep gray, tinted with bluish on the 
bnck, with metallic reflections on the sides and abdomen and 
back, and a spot upon the neck, lateral line straight, on the 
middle of the body; caudal fin subtruncated of 17 or 18 rays; 
teeth very small, in many ranges on the jaws and palate; mouth 
deeply divided. 

"Lives in the small lagoons of tranquil water, which dis- 
charge by narrow channels into Lake Erie. Length is 9 lines." 
— (Le Sueur, Jour. Ac. Kat. Sci. Phil. II, 220, 1822.) 

Grvstes salmoides Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829. — "Tel 
est le growler de New York, dont nous devons la connaissance a 
M. Milbert, mais qui n'a point ete decrit par M. Mitchill. 



94 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

" Ce nom de groider, qui signife grogneur, vient peut-etre de 
quelque bruit qu'il tliit entendre coumie Its scieiies ou les trigles, 
mais nous n'avons a cat egard aucun renseigiiement positif. 
Grystes en est I'equivaleut grec. 

" M. Le Sueur, croyaiit I'espece nouvelle, en a public une 
description dans le Journal des sciences de Philadelphie, sous le 
nom de cichlu variabilis; mais nous avous tout lieu de croire que 
c'est ce poisson qui est represente et decrit par M. de Lacepede 
(t. IV, p. 716 et 717, et pi. 5, fig. 2) sous le nom de labre scd- 
ino'ide, d'apres des notes et une figure fournies par M. Bosc, qui 
le nommait perca tnitta. La figure en est un ])eu rude, mais la 
description s'accorde avec ce que nous avons vu, sauf quelques 
details, qui tienuent peut-etre moins au poisson meme qu'a la 
maniere dont il a ete observe. 

" Ce pretcndu labre, au rapport de M. Bosc, est tres-commun 
dans les rivieres de la Caroline, ou on lui a transporte le nom 
de trout (c'est a-d ire truite). 11 atteiut deux pieds de longueur. 
C'est un excellent manger; sa chair est ferme et savoureuse. 
On le prend uisement a I'hamegon, surtout en mettaut un mor- 
ceau, de cyprin pour ap])at. 

" Le growler a a peu pres la forme d'un serran. Sa plus grande 
hauteur, qui est vers le milieu, ne fait pas tout-a-fait le quart 
de sa longueur, et son epaisseur ne fait pas moitie de sa hauteur. 
La longueur de sa tete n'est que trois fois et .demie'danis sa 
longueur totale. Son profil descend tres-peu, Sa machoire 
inferieure est un peu plus longue que I'autre, et a quatre ou cinq 
pores sous chacune de ses branches. De larges bandes de deuts 
en velours les garnissent toutes les deux, ainsi que le devant de 
son vomer et ses palatins. Le bord de son preopercule est par- 
faitement entier, et a Tangle un peu arrondi. L'opereule osseux 
se termine par deux pointes peu aigues, dont la superienre est 
la plus courte. La membrane branchiale a six et quelquefois 
sept rayons, variati(m qui est assez singuliere, mais que nous 
avons constatee. Les os de I'epaule sont lisses, mais entiers, 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 95 

comme le preopercule. Le sous-orbitaire a quelqups rides. Les 
^cailles sont mediocres : il y en a qiiatre-vingt-dix sur une ligne 
longitudinale, et trente-six on quarante sur une verticale. Son 
front, son museau, ses muchoires, le linibe de son preopercule, 
la membrane des ou'ies en manquent ; mais il y en a sur sa joue 
et ses pieces opereulaires. II en porte de petites sur les parties 
molles de sa dorsale et de son an:de, et sur la caudale. Toutes 
sont finemeut ciliees et pointillees a leur p:irtie visible, et ont 
huit cienelures a leur base. La ligne laterale, un pen arquee 
vers le bas, a son origine, suit du reste a pen jires la courbure 
du dos. La dorsale ne commence que sur le milieu des pector- 
ales. Les epines sont faibles ; la plus haute, qui est la quatrieme, 
n'a })as le tiers de la hauteur du tronc sous elle. L'ecliancrure 
entre la penultieme et la derniere est prononcee ; I'anale ne 
commence que sous sa partie molle. Les deux nageoires finis- 
sent vis-a-vis I'une de I'autre, et laissent entre elles et la caudale 
un espace qui fait pi'esque le quart de la longueur totale. La 
caudale se termine un peu en croissant ; les pectorales et les 
ventrales sont petites ou mediocres. 

D. 10, 13 ou 14; A. 3, 11 ou 12; C. 17; P. 16; V. 1, 5. 

" Tout ce poisson, devenu adulte, est d'un brun-verdtltre fonce, 
avec une tache d'un uoir bleuatre a la pointe de Topercule. 

"Nous avons reyu, par M. Milbert, un individu de huit a 
neuf pouces et un de six a sept. Cest ce dernier qui a six 
rayons a la membrane des ouies et quatorze rayons mous a la 
dorsale. 

"Plus tard, M. Le Sueur nous en a envoye de la riviere Wa- 
bash un individu long de seize pouces, et trois autres qui n'en 
out guere que cinq. Les jeunes sont d'un vert plus pale, et ont 
sur chaque flanc vingt-cinq a trente lignes longitudinales et 
paralleles brunes, qui paraissent s'effiicer avec I'age. j 

" Le foie du growler est tres-petit, presque entierement place 
dans le cote gauche ; I'oesophage, tres-court, se dilate en un esto- 
mac ovale assez grand, a parois minces et sans plis. Le pylore. 



96 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

pres du cardia, est large et entoure de qiiatorze appendices 
ccecales, dout dix a gauche et quatre a droite, assez grasses et 
assez longues. L'iiitestiu reiiionte jusque sous le diaphragme, 
descend jusqu'aupres de I'anus, puis retourne jusqu'aupres du 
pylore, d'ou il va droit a I'anus. Son dernier repli a deux 
etranglemens assez marques. La rate est petite, au milieu de 
I'abdomen, pres de la pointe de I'estomac. La vessie natatoire, 
tres-grande, mince, peu argentee, s'etend depuis le diaphragme 
jusqu'aupres de I'anus. Tout le peritoinea un bel eclat d'argent. 
L'estomac etait rempli d'une grande quantite de fourmis ailees, 
de tipules de cousins et autres petits insectes volans, communs 
sur les eaux donees." — (Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hid. Nat. 
des Poiss. Ill, 54, 1829.) 

Grystes salmoides Jardine, 1835. — " D. 10, 13 or 14; A. 
3, 11 or 12; C. 17; P. 16; V. 1, 5. 

" Growler is the provincial American name for this fish, which 
Cuvier thinks has been given from some noise or croaking sound 
uttered by it. Two fish only have yet been discovered which 
will rank under its character ; the present a native of N-orth 
America and another produced from the New Holland seas. 
In form of the body they somewhat resemble the last, but are 
at once distinguislied from them and the preceding forms, by 
the smoothness and the want of any covering on the head ; the 
opercle and preopercle having neither spines nor teeth on their 
margins. The present species, a native of the North American 
waters, and abundant in the neighborhood of New York, has 
been named Sahtoides, from its reserablence to the salmon or 
trout, being in some pai-ts termed ' Trout.' It reaches a length 
of two feet, is of excellent flavor, and is much esteemed as an 
article of food ; and it aflfords sport to the angler, taking the 
hook readily. The general colors, an unobtrusive tint of olive, 
lightening towards the under parts where it becomes grayish 
white. The first dorsal fin is weaker in proportion than most of 
the forms we have already seen, but the last rises high behind 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 97 

and assumes a shape somewhat like that of some of the Grey- 
liiigs. The tail is shaped a good deal like the Salmoi(I<x, and in 
this fish has a dark bar across the center." — (Jardine, Nat. Lib. 
I, Perches, 158, 1835.) 

CiCHLA FASCIATA and CiCHi,A OHiENSis Kirtland, 1838. — 
"The Black Bass of the Lake and of the Ohio River. Le Sueur 
has described them as distinct species. I have no doubt they 
are specifically identical. They differ in form and color at differ- 
ent seasons and in different localities, and even the same in- 
dividual will change its color repeatedly in a short space of time 
if confined in a vessel of water. 

" Rafinesque has described that from the Ohio under the 
generic name of Lepo^nis, and taken these changings of color as 
a distinction upon which he has founded several of his species. 
His Lepomis notiita is no other than the young of the common 
Bhick Bass. Their appearance varies at different ages. 

"This fish readily bites at a hook, and is valued as an article 
of food."— (Kirtland, Kept. Zool. Ohio, 191, 1838.) 

CiCHLA MINIMA Kirtland, 1838. — "Le Sueur describes this 
as an inhabitant of Lake Eiie. I am suspicious it is only the 
young of the preceding species, as I have never been able to find 
it, though I have searched repeatedly in the lake and its trib- 
utaries." — (Kirtland, Rept. Zool. Ohio, in 2d Geol. Rept. Ohio, 
191, 1838.) 

Centrarchus fasciatus Kirtland, 1842. — " This species 
presents such a variety of forms, colors and habits, and is so 
much influenced by age, sex, seasons and locality, it is not re- 
markable that its varieties should have been described as dis- 
tinct species. Still I am convinced that the synonyms I have 
enumerated embrace only one true species (these are Lepomis 
pallida, irifasciata and fiexuolaris Raf. , Icth. Ohiensis, p. 30, 31; 
Etheostoma calliura Raf., Icth. Ohiensis, p. 36; Cichla fasciata 
Le Sueur, J. A. N. S.; C. fasciata Kirtland, Report Zool. 

Ohio; C. Ohiensis Lc Sueur, J. A. N. S.); and I am inclined to 
9 



98 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

add to them C. minima of Le Sueur, as I have never been able 
to find in the lagoons about our rivers and the lake any fish 
that answers to his description, except the young of the Black 
Bass at a certain stage of growth. 

" This species is found universally in our western waters. It 
frequently is taken by hooks and in seines, and also gives amuse- 
ment to our marksmen in the spring, when it runs into shallow 
water for the purpose of spawning. At this time it is often 
shot with rifles. Its flesh resembles in flavor that of the Black 
Fish {Tautoga Americana Cuv.) and by many persons is es- 
teemed as the best flsh for the table that our western waters af- 
ford."— (Kirtland, Bod. Jour. Nat. Hist. V, 28, 1842.) 

Grystes salmoides DeKay, 1842. — "Greatest depth, to its 
length as one to four nearly ; its thickness not quite half of its 
depth. Profile not very declivous. Lower jaw longest with 4 
or 5 pores under each of its branches. MiTiute teeth in broad 
bands. Opercle terminates in two moderate points, of which 
the uppermost is short. Branchial rays six and occasionally 
seven; a notable variation, but which is positively established. 
Humeral bone smooth. Scales ciliate, moderate; ninety in a 
longitudinal series and 36-40 in a vertical line. Scales only on 
the opercular bones and cheeks ; small ones on the soft portion of 
dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Lateral line concurrent with the 
back. Dorsal fin commences about the middle of the pectorals; 
the fourth ray higliest. Pectoral and ventral fins small. Cau- 
dal fin slightly crescent shaped. 

"The adult, deep greenish brown, with a bluish black spot on 
the point of the opercle; young with from 25-30 brownish longi- 
tudinal bands, which appear to become effaced with age. Length 
6'0-24'0. (Copied from Cuvier.) Fin rays: D. 10, 13 or 14; 
P. 16; V. 1, 5; A. 3, 11 or 12; C. 17."— (DeKay, Fishes 
N. Y. 26, 1842.) 

Centrarchus fasciatus DeKay, 1842. — " Body compressed; 
back arched gibbous ; profile descending obliquely to the rostrum, 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 99 

which is moderately prolonged ; scales large, truncate and Avith 
radiating plaits at the radical portion ; the free portion small, 
rounded, concentrically striate, minutely denticulate on the mar- 
gin; scales on the opercle large, with a single series on the sub- 
opercle, much smaller on the preopercle, and ascend high up on 
the meml)rane of the soft dorsal and caudal fins ; the intraorbital 
region and the jaw scaleless; lateral line concurrent with the 
back; eyes moderate; nostrils double, vertical, contiguous; the 
anterior on its posterior border with a membranous valve, near 
these a few open j)ores; opercles pointed with a loose membrane; 
lower jaw somewhat advanced with 'a single series of from eight 
to ten distant pores beneath ; both jaws armed with a broad patch 
of minute conic acute recurved teeth ; an oblong patch of rasp- 
like teeth on the vomer, and a long band of similar teeth on 
the palatines ; a transverse membrane on the anterior part of 
both jaws; a small patch of minute teeth on the center of the 
tongue, which is free and thin on the margins ; branchial arches 
minutely toothed on the upper surface near the tongue, with 
long serrate, spinous processes above; pharyngeal teeth in rounded 
patches; branchial rays six. Dorsal fin commences slightly be- 
hind the pectorals ; the anterior portion consists of nine stout 
spines, received into a sheath below; the first is shorter than 
the second, which again is not so long as the third, and this 
latter issubequal with the remainder; a small and not very evident 
depression sei)arates it from the other portion, which consists of 
1 spinous and 14 branched rays; it terminates above the end of 
the anal ; this portion of the dorsal fin is high, and somewhat 
rounded; the second simply articulated, not branched, and the 
three posterior rays successively shorter ; the pectorals under the 
posterior angle of the opercle broad and obtusely pointed; it 
contains 18 rays, of which the 5, 6, and 7 are the longest; 
vetitral fins placed slightly behind the pectorals and composed 
of 5 robust branched rays; anal fin higher than long, commenc- 
ing under the third soft ray of the dorsal and composed of 3 



100 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

spinous and 12 articulated rays, of ■which latter the 4, 5, 6, 7 
are longest; the first spinous ray very short, tlie second slightly 
longer, and the third double the length of the preceding ; caudal 
fin eniarginate, tips rounded, and composed of 16 flat robust, 
multifid and six accessory rays on each side; length 13.5; of 
head, 4.0; greatest depth, 4.2," fin rays, D. 9.1,14; P. 18; V. 5; 
A. 3, 12; C. 16| 

This species is common in the great lakes and in the numer- 
ous smaller ones in this state, where it is generally known under 
the name of Black Bass. This species appears to diifer very 
much in different localities, nut only in color but in form, and. 
according to Dr. Kirtland, the same individual will change its 
color repeatedly in a short space of time if confined in a vessel of 
water."— (DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 28, 1842.) 

Centrarchus obscurus DeKay, 1842. — " Body compressed, 
regularly arched above, not gibbous, highest along the spinous 
portion of the dorsal fin ; scales small, orl)icular, concentricall}'' 
striate on their free surfaces, covering the head and body and 
rising very slightly on the base of the dorsal; lateral line tubular 
above the upper margin of the opercle ; makes a curve down- 
wai'ds over the point of the opercle, then rises a little anterior 
to the first sj^nous ray of the dorsal, and then becomes concur- 
rent with the line of the back; head moderately small, and some- 
what pointed, sloping gradually to the nape, thence ascending more 
rapidly to the dorsal ray; eyes very large; nostrils double, dis- 
tant, the posterior largest ; a small mucous pore beknv the an- 
terior nostril ; lower jaw longest ; numerous fine teeth in both 
jaws, very acute and recurved, forming many rows in front and 
fewer on the sides of the jaw ; still more minute teeth on the 
vomer and palatines; opercular bones scaly; the opercle with a 
membranous margin, and terminating in a flat point, Avhich is 
occasionally double ; the dorsal fin arises behind the base of the 
pectorals, composed of 9 spinous and 13 simple rays; the first 
spinous is shortest; the first of the soft portion simple, the re- 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 101 

rnainder articiiluted and much higher than the spinous portion ; 
it is coterminal with the anal fin; pectorals oblong and composed 
of 16 rays ; the up})er ray subspinous, simple ; ventral fin 
pointed, contiguous, composed of 1 spinous and 5 branched rays; 
anal rounded of 3 spinous and 12 branched rays, the first spine 
short, the others gi'adually longer ; caudal fin emarginate of 17 
entire and 3 accessory rays on each side. All the rays of this 
fin are broad and compressed, with scales ascending high up to- 
wards their extremities ; a general greenish brown or dark olive 
with a fixint metallic bronze on the upper i)arls, beneath lighter : 
length, 6.0-8.0; fins, D. 9.1, 12; P. 16; V. 1, 5; A, 3, 12; C. 
17-|. This species was obtained from Onondaga creek, there 
called Black Bass."— (DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 30, 1842.) 

Grystes salmoides Storer, 1846. — "The adult fish is of a 
deep greenish brown color, with bluish black spot at the angle 
of the operculum ; the posterior portion of the dorsal fin rises 
high, and resembles somewhat that of some of the Greylings; 
the tail is shaped much like that of the Salmonida?, and has a 
dark brown band crossing its center. The young are marked 
with numerous longitudinal bands. D. 10, 13 or 14; P. 16; 
V. 1, 5; A. 3, 11 or 12 ; C. 17 ; length, 2 ft."— (Storer, /Syn- 
opsis Fish. N. A. 36, 1846.) (Copied.) 

Centrarchus FASCiATUS Storer, 1846. — " Body compressed ; 
back arched and gibbous ; of a dusky bluish color, often with 
transverse bands; anal fin with three spines. D. 9, 1, 14; P. 
18; V. 5; A. 3, 12; C. 16f ; length, 18 to 20 in."— (Storer, 
Synopsis Fish. N. A. 38, 1846.) (Copied.) 

Centrarchus obscurus Storer, 1846. — "Body not gibbous, 
of a general greenish brown or dark olive color, with faint 
metallic bronze on upper parts; beneath lighter. D. 9, 1, 12; 
P. 16; V. 1, 5; A. 3, 12; C. 17f; length, 6 in."— (Storer, 
Sijmpsis Fishes K A. 40, 1846.) (Copied.) 

Grystes fasciatus Agassiz, 1850. — "This species is very 
closely allied to the Grystes salmoides of the Southern States, 



102 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

from which it is,* however, distiiiguislied by the profile of the 
more raised back, and of course by a broader body. The sur- 
face of the skull is uniformly rounded and not depressed, as in 
G. salmoides; the proportions of the head compaied with the 
body are the same as in this latter, but the mouth is less 
opened, and the shorter labials do not reach a vertical line 
drawn across the hinder margin of the orbits, whilst they exceed 
such a line in G. salmoides; the teeth are arranged like cards, 
and are similar in both species. The fins upon the whole seem 
to be cut on the same pattern as in G. salmoides, but when we 
examine them attentively, we see that they are all stabbed like 
the body itself; the veutrals and pectorals shorter and more 
widened; the dorsal and anal lower. As for the other details 
of their structure they are about the same, as we may see from 
the following formula: 
Br. 6; D. X, 14; A. 111,10; "c. 7, 1, 8, 7, 1,6; V. 1,5; P. 16. 

"The scales are a little smaller, but of the same form as in 
G. salmoides; the radiating striiB are perhaps less marked; they 
cover the opercular apparatus and the cheeks, but at this latter 
place their smaller size is quite remarkable ; this latter charac- 
ter is very striking when we compare both species. 

"Our specimens are from Lake Huron ; one of them measures 
twelve inches, and the other seven. I have also received two 
specimens from Lake Michigan, through the care of Mr. Samuel 
C. Clarke, the largest of which measures eighteen inches. 
Professor Baird forwarded to me specimens from Lake Champ- 
lain. Dr. DeK-.iy has found it in Lake Oneida. Finally, this 
species extends to Pennsylvania, as I was able to convince 
myself by two specimens collected at Toxburg, and for which 

•■■■ " Gryste!^ salmoneus does not occur in the Northern nor in the Middle 
3tatcs, although Dr. DeKay mentions it vipon the authority of Cuvier, who 
prohably mistook specimens of our Grystes fruiciatus for the southern spe- 
cies. Having, however, failed to discover this confusion, Dr. DeKay de- 
scribes the same fish again, under the name of Cenlrarchus obscurus." — 
{Agassiz, Lake Superior, 295, 1850.) 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 103 

I am under obligation to Professor Baird." — (Agassiz, Lake 
Superior, 295, 1850.) 

Centraechus fasciatus Thompson, 1853. — "Form some- 
what elliptical compressed, a little convex on the sides and 
pointed forwards ; color dark greenish above, lighter and faintly 
mottled on the sides, and grayish white beneath; sides of the 
head fine light green ; scales firm, moderate on the sides and 
operculum, but very small on the cheeks, back of the neck, 
throat, and belly; preoperculum with its upper limb nearly 
vertical and nearly at right angles with the lower, without 
spines or serratures ; inter and suboperculum*upon the upper 
side and smooth below ; operculum triangular, with a mem- 
biaiious ijrolongation posteriorly, and the bony part terminating 
posteriorly in two thin lubes with a deep notch between them, 
the lower lobe, which is the largest, ending in several short 
spines; teeth small, sharp, and numerous in both jaws, on the 
lower anterior edges of the palatine bones, and on the vomer, 
with a small cluster near the base of the triangular tongue, all 
standing like the pile on velvet, but looking a little inward, those 
on the jaws largest ; fins small brownish and their soft parts 
covered with a rather thick mucous skin; the dorsal rounded 
behind, low at the junction of the spinous and soft parts, and 
the spinous rays capable of being reclined, imbricated, and con- 
cealed in a longitudinal groove along the back ; ventrals a little 
behind the pectorals; the anal under the posterior portion of the 
dorsal, and extending a little further back; tail slightly emar- 
ginate, with the lobes rounded, vent a trifle nearest the posterior 
extremity; eyes moderately large; lower jaw a trifle longer than 
the upper, with several visible pores along its margin ; length 
of the specimen before me, 19 in. The greatest depth equals 
one-third of the length, exclusive of the tail. — Rays: Br. 6; P. 
17; B. 1, 5; D. 10, 15; A. 3, 11; C. 17. 

"The Black Bass, by which name this fish is here generally 
known, ranks as one of the best fishes taken from our waters, 

* The word " scaly " was evidently omitted here. — ^J. A. IL 



104 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

but as is apt to be the case with good fishes, it is mucli less 
abundant than several other species which are greatly its inferior 
in point of quality. It is usually taken with the seine and its 
Aveight varies from one to five or six pounds." — (Thompson, Hist. 
Ver7Hont, 131, 1853.) 

Gryhtes nigricans Garlick, 1857. — "The body is com- 
pres<;ed, oval, back arched; of a dusky greenish color, often 
with transverse bands, with 3 oblique stri])es on the operculum 
or cheek. . . . The Black Bass, when full grown, measures 
from 12 to 18 inches in length. The largest one by far that I 
have ever seen was caught last summer by Prof. Ackley in the 
Cuyahoga River: its length was a little over 22 inches, and must 
have weighed 8 pounds or more. 

" This fish is found from the St. Lawrence to the tributaries 
of the Ohio, and perhaps still further south; it is quite common 
in all the rivers ami lakes of Ohio and all the Western States. 

" He is a bold biter, and when hooked fights w'ith the most de- 
termined fury to the very last, afibrding the best of sport to the 
angler, and is excelled but by a very few fish when placed upon 
the table."— (Garlick, Treat. Art. Prop. F/.s/t/]05, 1857.) 

Gristes salmoiedks Herbert, 1859. — "This fish, in genei-al 
form, closely corresponds with that last described \_G. nup^icans]. 
It has the same gibbous back, with the lateral line following the 
dorsal curve, and the same protruded lower jaw. Its teeth are 
set minutely in broad bands or patches. The operculum has 
two moderate points. 

"Its color is deep greenish brown, with a bluish black spot on 
the point of the operculum. When young it has 25 or 30 longi- 
tudinal brownish bands, which become eflfaced by age. 

"The first dorsal has 10 spines, the second 13 or 14 soft 
rays; the pectorals 16 soft raj'-s ; the ventrals 1 spine and 5 soft 
rays; the anal 3 spines and 11 or 12 soft rays; the caudal fin, 
which is slightly lunate, has 17 soft rays." — (Herbert, Fish and 
Fishing, 197, 1859.) 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 105 

Grystes salmonoides Giintlier, 1859. — " B. 6-7; D. y|.y4 ; 
A. yx^r2^; L. Lat. 90. Ctee. F}'k)r, 14 and more. The height 
of the hody is nearly one-fourth of the total length; the length 
of the head l-i contained 3^ therein. Lower jaw prominent. 
Preoperculum and supiascapular entire. Operculum with t\\o 
spines. Prieorbital with or without some slight denticulations; 
pectoral and ventral fins short. The fourth dor.sal sjiine longest; 
the second of the anal much shorter than the third. Caudal is 
slightly notched. Uniform greenish brown, with a bkick spot at 
the posterior angle of the operculum. Young with indistinct 
longitudinal streaks." — (GUnther, Qit. FisJies Brit. Mus. I, 252, 
1859.) 

Centharchus FAf^ciATUs Gi;inther, 1859. — " D. \^; A. -^^. 
Body gibbous; the height is 3^ in the total length. Dusky 
bluish, often with transverse bands." — (Gunther, Cat. Fklies 
Brit. Mus. I, 258, 1859.) 

Centrarciius obscurus Gunther, 1859. — "D. \^; A. ■^^. 
Body rather elongate, not gibbous; the height is one-fourth of 
the total length. Uniform greenish brown." — (Gunther, Cat. 
Fishes Brit. km. I, 258, 1859.) 

Lepomis achigan Gill, 1860. — " Rafinesque first indicated 
the Cichla fasciata of Le Sueur, or Centrarciius obscurus of 
DeKay under the name of Bodianus achigan. His specific 
name must be preserved." — (Gill, Fro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Fhil. 20, 
1860.) 

Centrarciius fasciatus Koosevelt, 1862. — "The gill cover 
has two flat points, the teeth are minute, Avhile the back fin, 
though single, is partly divided into 2. It contains 10 hard 
and l-t soft rays, the ventral 6, the first one almost spinous, the 
anal 3 spines, the first very sliort, and 12 soft rays, and the tail 
16 soft rays." — (Roosevelt, Game Fish of the North, 218, 1862.) 

Grystes nigricans Norris, 1864. —"The color of this fish, 
which appears to vary with the locality or the season, is gener- 
ally dark olive green on the back, shading gradually into a 



106 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

brownish 'yellow on the sides; belly opaque white. Body com- 
pressed oval, back arched, belly less curved than the superior 
outlines; breadth as 2 to 7. Lateral line concurrent with the 
back. Head small, little less than ^ the length of body; pre- 
opercle covered with small scales, scales larger on opercle. The 
eye is on a line between the snout and posterior angle of the 
opercle, ^ distant from snout, and is about ^ of an inch in 
diameter ; tlie irides are dark brown above and pule yellow 
below. N-ostrils small, double. Tongue toothless ; both jaws 
Avith small brush-like teeth, small patches of the same on each 
side the pharynx as well as on the branchial arches. Branchial 
rays 7. The first dorsal fin has 10 sharp spines, the anterior ray 
being short. The second dorsal is covered at its base with 
scales, and has 15 rays, preceded by an obtuse spine of ^ their 
length ; this fin is arched and rounded posteriorly. The pec- 
torals beginning immediately beneath the point of the opercle 
are yellow, nearly obovate in shape, and have 18 rays. Ventrals 
commencing slightly posteriorly have 5 branched rays. The 
anal terminating beneath the posterior point of the second dorsal 
has 2 sharp, and 1 longer obtuse spine, and 12 branched rays. 
The caudal is very slightly forked and has 18 rays. . . . This 
fish differs from the Oswego Bass, to which it has so close a re- 
semblance, in having a smaller head, and its belly less protuber- 
ant, though the position of the fins, their shape, and number of 
spines and rays, are almost identical." — (N orris. Am. Angler's 
Book, 103, 1864.) 

MiCROPTERUS ACHiGAN Gill, 1866. — "The common small- 
mouthed species (3Iicropterm achujan) is, in truth, well entitled 
to command the efforts of the pisiculturist, and could be intro- 
duced most advantageously into many sheets of water at present 
affording fishes of inferior quality." — (Gill, Rept. Com. Agric. 
408, 1866.) 

Grystes fasciatus Putnam, 1867. — "This species, which is 
the common Lake Bass and Black Bass of the great lakes, Lake 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 107 

Champlain and several lakes iti New York, and which also ex- 
tends further south, has been introduced into Great Sandy Lake 
in Wareham. In the summer of 1862 a specimen of this fish 
was caught in Massachusetts Bay by one of the members of the 
state legislature, and is now in the state cabinet. The fish had 
evidently ibund the salt water not much to its liking, as it was 
much emaciated, and had changed so in its general appearance 
as at fii'st sight hardly to be recognized." — (Putnam, Stover's 
Fishes Mass. 278, 1867.) 

MicROPTERUs FASCIATUS Cope, 1868. — " This specimen is 
abundant in Holston River; individuals are identical with others 
from Miami River; Indiana; Wabash; Kiskiminitas ; from 
Michigan and Lake George, N. Y. It grows to a considerable 
size and is much valued for food. 

"The absence or rarity of this species and the Amhloplites 
rupestris in the Kanawha River, in Giles County and above is 
remarkable. During a residence of six weeks on its banks, I 
never caught or saAV a specimen of either, and they are not 
clearly known to the fishermen." — (Cope, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci 
Phil. VI, 216, 1868.) 

MrcROPTERUs SALMOiDES Gill, 1873. — " Scales small, in about 
70 to 80 oblique rows between the head and caudal, and 11 long- 
itudinal ones between the back and lateral line, decreasing very 
much towards the nape and (especially) the breast ; forming a 
sheath encroaching considerably upwards upon the soft ^^ortioii 
and last spine of the dorsal. Head transversely (slightly) 
convex between the orbits, with (1) scales on the operculum 
larger than those of the nape, (2) on the suboperculum (in 
front) in two rows, (3) on the interoperculum narrow, mostly in- 
vested in the membrane (in one row), (4) on the cheeks very 
small (in about 17 to 20 rows), and (5) o» the preoperculum 
none. Mouth moderate, the gape from the symphysis to the 
angle being little more than one-third (1 : 2^) of the head's 
length. Supramaxillary ending in advance of vertical from the 



108 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

hinder niargui of the orbit (about under the posterior border of 
the pupil). 

"Dorsal fin with its anterior spines rnpidly graduated (1^1 ; 
11=1-5; III=l-90; IV=2-05; V=--2-30) to the fifth; fifth, 
sixth and seventh longest and about equal to the space between 
the back and lateral line; the succeeding ones very gradually 
diminishing to the ninth which is shortest (three-fourths — 1: 
1"25 — of fifth) the tenth beiiig about as long as the eighth and 
about a third shorter than the longest, i. e., fifth. 

" Dorsal fin with scales differentiated from those of the sheath, 
and advancing liigh up on the membrane behind each soft ray 
(except the last two or three). 

" Anal fin with scales ascending high on the membrane behind 
the several rays'. 

"Color, in young and adolescent, bronzed grayish, with (1) 
irregular darker spots, tending to arrangement in three series 
alternating with each other above the lateral line, and (2) indis- 
tinctly maculated with darker and yellow below ; head dark 
above, gray on sides, with three oblique or horizontal bands, viz.: 

(1) from margin of upper jaw to below angle of preoperculum, 

(2) from lower angle of orbit to margin of preoperculum, (3) 
from hinder border of orbit to angle of operculum, and with a 
crescentiform band (curved forwards) in front of the forehead 
between the eyes ; spinous dorsal simply punctulated with dark ; 
the soft with a series of bronzed spots between the respective 
rays; and greenish with a marginal band of grayish-white; in 
adults the markings are more or less obliterated and the color a 
uniform dead green." — (Gill, Fro. Am. Asso. Adv. Sci. XXII, 
B. 69, 1873.) 

MiCROPTERUS SALMOiDES Ubler and Lugger, 1876. — "Elon- 
gated oval, arched; thick and rounded along the back; thinner 
and nearly straight at the belly. Head very large and thick, 
especially between the eyes , snout full and rounded ; eyes very 
large. Head and body dusky above, with a greenish or bronzed 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 109 

tint; lower jaw and belly white; along the flanks runs a dusky 
band, more or less distinct according to the age of the fish; a 
bluish-black spot on the point of the opercle. Total length 14 
inches, but occasionally 24 inches. 

" Fin rays :—D. 9,14; P. 14; V. 1,5; A. 3,12; C. 19."-^ 
(Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Md. <^Eept. Fish Com. Md. 
Ill, 1876.) 

MiCROPTERus SALMOIDES Jordan, 1877. — "In the Etowah, 
Oostanaula, and Coosa Rivers [Ga,], . . . The yellow and 
black caudal markings, so striking in young specimens from the 
Ohio River, and which suggested to Rafinesque the name of 
Calliurus, are not well shown by my specimens. The lower fins 
are unusually red, and there is a tendency to the formation of 
parallel lines of dusky spots along the rows of scales. These 
peculiarities perhaps indicate a permanent variety." — (Jordan, 
Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. XI, 315, 1877.) 

MiCROPTERUS SALMOIDES Jordan, 1877. — "The peculiar col- 
oration of the caudal fin which suggested the name of Calliurus, 
' base yellow, middle blackish, tip white,' belongs among Ohio 
fishes only to the young of the Black Bass. Calliums, therefore, 
as shown by Professor Gill, is a synonym of Micropterus, and 
can not be applied to a distinct genus." — (Jordan, Contrih. N. 
A, Ich. No. 1. <ZBull. U. S. Nat. Mis. IX, 18, 1877.) 

Micropterus salmoides Hallock, 1877. — "Head and body 
dusky above, often with a greenish or bronzed tint; lower jaw 
and belly white ; opercle with a bluish-green spot at its angle. 
Along the flanks runs a dusky band, which is more or less ap- 
parent according to the age of the fish. It is most remarked in 
the young. Fins yellowish." — (Hallock, Spoiisman's -Gazetteer, 
373, 1877.) 

Micropterus salmoides Jordan, 1878. — " Dark green ; young 
brighter and more or less barred and spotted, but without lateral 
band ; tail yellow at base, then black, and edged with white ; 
opercle with oblique olivaceous streaks ; third dorsal sj)ine half 



110 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

larger than first; dorsal notch rather shallow; scales smaller 
than in 3L palUdus — eleven rows between lateral line and dorsal; 
mouth smaller; anal nearly scaleless ; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 11 ; 
lat. 1. 70 to 80. Great lakes and streams from L. Cliamjjlain 
S. and W.; common in New York and in most re<iions west of 
the Alleghanies; introduced eastward." — (Jordan, Manual 
Vertebrates E. U. S. 2d ed. 286, 1878.) 



MICROPTERUS SALMOIDES (Lac.) Henshall. 
THE LAEGE-MOUTHED BLACK BASS. 

SYNONYMY. 

1802 — Labrus sabnoides Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. IV, 

716. 
Grijdes salmoides Agassiz, Lake Superior, 295, 1850. 
Grystes salmoides Holbhook, Ich. So. Car. 25, 1855, and 

2d ed. 28, 1860. 
Grystes salmoides Noeeis, Am. Angler's Book, 99, 1864. 

(In part.) 
Dioplites salmoides Vaillant & Bocouet, MSS, Miss. 

Sci. au Mexique, 1874. 
Ificropterus salmoides Vaillant & Bocouet, Miss. Sci. 

au Mexique: ined. 
1820— Lepoviis pallida Rafinesque, Ich. Oliiensis, 30. 

Micropterus pallidns Jordan, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. 

XI, 314, 1877. 
^ficropterus pallidns Joedan, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. IX 

and X, 1877. 
Micropterus pallidus Jordan, Bull. U. S. Nat. INIus. XII, 

1878. 
Micropterus pallidns Jordan, Hayd. Geol. Surv. Ter. 

Bull. IV, No. 2, 435, 1878. 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. Ill 

Micropterus pallidus Jordan, Man. Vert. E. U. S. 2d 

ed., 236, 1878. 
Micropterus ptalUdufi Goode, Pro. U. S. Nat. Mus. II, 

115, 1879. 
Micropterus pallidus Goode & Bean, Bull. E:isex Inst. 

XI, 19, 1879. 
Micropterus pallidus Goode & Bean, Pro. U. S. Nat. 

Mus. II, 138, 1879. 
Micropterus pallidus Henshall, Kept. Fish Com. Ohio, 

31, 1879. . 
Micropterus pallidus Jordan, Pro. U. S. Nat. Mus. Ill, 

17, 1880. 
1822 — Cichla floridana Le Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. II, 

219. 
3Iicropterus floridanus Goode, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. VI, 

63, 1876. (Name only.) 
1828 — Hiiro nigricans Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. des 

Poiss. II, 124. 
Huro nigricans Jardine, Nat. Lib. I, Perches, 108, 1835. 
Huro nigricans Richardson, Fan. Bor. Am. Ill, 4, 

1836. 
Huro ingricans DeKay, Fishes N. Y. 15, 1842. 
Huro nigricans Storeii, Syn. Fishes N. A. 25, 1846. 
Grijstes nigricans Agassiz, Lake Superior, 297, 1850. 
Grystes nigricans Herbert, Fish and Fishing, 195, 1859. 
Huro nigricans GiJntheu, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. I, 255, 

1859, 
Huro nigricam Roosevelt, Game Fish of the North, 

219, 1862. 
Micropterus nigricans Cope, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 83, 

1865. (Name only.) 
Micropterus nigricans Gill, Rept. Com. Agric. 407, 1866. 
Micropterus nigricans Cope, Pro. Am. Phil. See. 451, 

1870. 



112 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Micropterus nigricans Gill, Pro. Am. Asso. Adv. Sci. 

B. 70, 1873. 
Micropterus nigricans Jordan, Ind. Geo]. Surv. 214, 

1874. 
Micropterus nigricans Jordan, Man. Vert. E. U. S. 229, 

1876. 
Micropterus nigricans Hallock, Sportsman's Gazetteer, 

273, 1877. (In part.) 
1854 — Grystes nobilis Agassiz, Am. Jour. Sci. Art, XVII, 

298. 
Grystes nobilis Putnam, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. I, 6, 

1863. (Name only.) 
1854 — Gmjstes nuecensis Baird & Girard, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. 

Phil. VII, 25. 
Dioplites nuecensis Girard, U. S. Pac. K. R. Surv. X, 

Fishes, 4, 1858. 
Grystes nuecensis Gunther, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. I, 

252, 1859. (Name only.) 
Dioplites nuecensis Girard, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv. II, 

3, 1859. 
Dioplites nuecensis Vaillant & Bocourt, MSS. Miss. 

Sci. au Mexique, 1874. 
Micropterus nuecensis Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. 

au Mexique : iued. 
1857 — Grystes megastoma Garlick, Treat. Art. Prop. Fish, 108, 

1857. 
1874 — Dioplites treculU Vaillant & Bocourt, MSS. Miss. Sci. 

au INIexique, 1874. (Zoologie, pt. IV, plate IV, f. 2. 

No description ; the species since identified by its 

authors with M. nuecensis.) 

Etymology: Sahnoides, tvout-Yike ; salmon-like. 
Habitat : Red River of the North to Florida ; Virginia 
to Mexico; introduced eastward. 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 113 



Specific Descriptions. 

Labrus salmoides Lacepede, 1802. — " Neuf rayons aigiiil- 
lones et treize rayons articules a la nageoire dii dos ; treize rayon 
a la nageoire de I'anus ; I'Dpercule compose de quatre lames, et 
termine par une prolongation anguleuse ; deux orifices a chaqiie 
narine; la couleur generale d'un brun noiratre." [Br. 6 ; P. 
13; V. 6; C. 18.]— (Lacepede, Hist. Nat des Pom. IV, 716, 
1802.) 

Lepomis pallida Rafinesque, 1820. — " Olivaceous above, 
white beneath, a brown spot at the base of the lateral line, an 
obtuse appendage on the opercule, spine behind it : 3 faint 
obliqual streaks on the gill-covers; lower jaw longer : tail forked, 
pale yellow, tip brown. 

"Not uncommon in the Ohio, Miami, Hockhocking, etc. Vul- 
gar name. Yellow Bass ; Common Bass, etc. Length from 4 
to 12 inches. Shape elliptic, diameter one-fourth of the total 
length. Fins olivaceous, without streaks, dorsal depressed or 
interrupted in the middle, 9 spiny rays to the fore part, the 
medial longer, 1 spiny ray and 14 soft rays to the hind part. 
Anal fin rounded 13 rays, Avhereof 2 are spiny and short. Pec- 
torals rounded with 14 rays ; tail with 18 ; thoracics with 6. 
Eyes large, black, iris brown with a gold ring. Lateral line 
following the back, straight near the tail."— (Rafinesque, Ich. 
Ohi. 30, 1820.) 

CiCHLA FLORiDANA Le Sueur, 1822. — "Dorsal fin witli 9 
spinous rays anteriorly, and 15 soft ones posteriorly; anal with 
3 spinous rays and twelve divided soft ones. 

" The total length of this fish is one foot five inches, in depth 
5 in. towards the dorsal fin; the body is attenuated; more ob- 
tuse anteriorly ; snout short ; inferior jaw a little longer than 
superior one ; mouth deeply divided; intermaxillary bone long; 
maxillary bone prolonged unto the end of the eye ; teeth very 
small, equal, approximate ; card like before, smaller and more 
10 



114 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

delicate at the angles of the mouth, on the vomer and on the 
wings of the palate they are small and like velvet; eye round, 
near the summit of the head ; scales rounded, large upon the 
sides near the pectoral fins, diminishing towards the back, and 
in approaching the tail and the abdomen, smaller, and subequal 
on all the pieces of the operculum ; the snout and the upper 
part of the head are destitute of scales; mandible and post 
mandible very strong and broad ; dorsal fin divided into two 
nearly equal parts, the anterior spinous, elevated before, very low 
behind and but little arquated ; the posterior part more elevated 
and rounded ; the anal fin short, extending beyond the dorsal 
as in the species of the Ohio, so that its middle corresponds 
with the posterior base of the dorsal ; the rays of the fins are 
also much divided and articulated ; pectorals small and rounded ; 
thoracic fins subtriangular, as long as the pectorals ; operculum 
without any denticulation, or spine ; lateral line oblique, undu- 
lated ; the color of this dried specimen is black on the back and 
lighter towards the abdomen. 

" We are indebted for tliis species to the researches of Messrs. 
Maclure, Ord, Say, and Peale, who brought it from East EJor- 
ida."— (Le Sueur, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. II, 219, 1822.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1828. — "II a le 
corps un peu plus haut a proportion que la perche ; le rauseau 
un peu plus court ; le front moins concave ; sa machoire inferi- 
eure se porte un peu plus en avant. Sur son front se voient des 
stries fines et nombrenses, mais toutes dirigees vers le bord de 
I'orbite. II a des dents en veloui's aux memes endroits que la 
perche; son maxillaire a le bord superieur dilate; son front, son 
museau, ses machoires, n'ont point decailles; mais il y en a sur 
son crane, sa tempe, toute sa joue et t<nites ses pieces operculai- 
res, leurs bords exceptes. Le limbe de I'opercule en est depour- 
vu, et son bord parfaitement entier et sans dentalures s'arrondit 
dans le bas, apres avoir fait un tres-leger arc rentrant. L'oper- 
cule osseux se termine en deux pointes plates, separees par une 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 115 

petite encliancrure aigiie et oblique. Aucune des pieces de 
I'epaule n'a de dentelure. La premiere dorsale, beaueoup plus 
petite qu'a la perche, n'a que six rayons, et demeure assez 
^loignee de la seconde, qui est plus elevee, et peut avoir avec ses 
deux epines douze ou treize rayons mous. (Elle est en pavtie 
mutilee dans notie individu.) L'anale a trois epines et onze 
rayons raous; elle est aussi un pen plus grande a proportion qu'a 
la perche. Quant aux pectorales et aux ventrales, elles sont a 
peu pres pareilles a celles de la perche, et la caudale aussi. 

B. 7; D. 6.-2,12? A. 3, 11; C. 17; P. 15; V. 1,5. 

"On compte soixante et quelques ecailles entre I'ou'ie et la 
caudale, et vingt-cinq ou vingt-six entre la premiere dorsale et le 
ventre. Elles paraissent toutes lisses et entieres. 

" La couleur de ce poisson, que nous n'avons vu que desseche, 
parait avoir approche de celle de la carpe. Son dos est d'un 
brun verdatre, qui s'affaiblit sur les cotes, et passe sous le ventre 
au blanc-jau natre argente ; une ligne grisatre suit le milieu de 
chaque rangee longitudinale d'ecailles. 

" L'individu que nous avons eu sous les yeux, etait long de 
seize ponces. 

" Nous lais^erons a I'espece I'epithete qu'elle porte dans son 
pays natal, Hnro nigricans." — (Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. 
Nat. des Poiss. II, 124, 1828.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS Jardine, 1835. — "The first is the Black 
Bass or Black Perch of the English residents on the banks of 
the Huron. Its flesh is firm and white, and it is much esteemed 
during the summer. The upper parts of the fish are of an olive 
brown, changing into yellowish Avhite on the belly, and along 
the central ridge of each scale is a line of the same color with 
the upper parts, giving it a striped appearance on the sides; 
the body is rather deep in proportion ; the under jaw slightly 
projects, and the head, cheeks and opercles are scaled ; the teeth 
are nearly similar to those of the perch ; the first dorsiil is much 
less, contains only six rays, and is placed at a considerable dis- 



116 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

tance in front of the second ; tlie anal fin is again considerably 
larger in proportion and has three spiny, with eleven soft rays ; 
the others are very similar to those of the perch. Cuvier's spec- 
imen was 16 in. in length, and although the flesh is esteemed, 
and seems abundant in its native country, little is yet known 
regarding it." — (Jaedine, Nat. Lib. I, Perches, 108, 1835.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS Richardsou, 18S6.- — " Profile elliptical, the 
ellipsis commencing acutely in the somewhat pointed chin and 
conical head, but passing gradually into the thickish tail; the 
depth of the body is greatest under the first dorsal and appears to 
be about equal to tlie length of the head, or one-tliird of the 
total length, excluding the caudal; head flat above, covered with 
scales as far as the posterior margin of the orbit ; the forehead 
shows a slight median ridge with a more prominent lateral one, 
and there are many fine streaks on the upper margin of the 
orbit; the anterior suborbital bone is marked by some short di- 
verging ridges, and tlie under and posterior mai'gin of the orbit 
is more distinctly roughened by many small irregular promi- 
nences ; the orbit is circular, situated close to the forehead, and 
two of its own diameters and one-half above the articulation of 
the lower jaw ; it is also a diameter and one-half behind the ex- 
tremity of the upper jaw, and four diameters from the point of 
the suboperculum or most posterior part of the gill cover ; the 
mouth acquires a somewhat vertical aspect from the chin or tip 
of the lower jaw, projecting about a quarter of an inch beyond 
it, and from its opening descending from the plane of the fore- 
head, at a considerable angle as it runs backwards ; the articula- 
tion of the lower jaw is opposite the posterior margin of the 
orbit; the labials have a lengthened triangular form, the narrow 
apex only passing under the edge of the suborbital bone ; the 
posterior dilated and truncated extremity projects considerably 
beyond the tip of the intermaxillary and extends fui-ther back 
than the orbit; it is further widened by the addition of a superior 
piece, or apoplysis whose corner is rounded ; there are no pores 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 117 

in the lower jaw, but two circular openings of canals in the 
bone aie visible through the dried skin which covers them. 
The opposing surfaces of the intermaxillaries and lower jaw are 
covered with densely-crowded, curved, fine card-like teeth, or 
as they ought, perhaps, to be called, in conformity with Clavier's 
nomenclature, rather coarse "dents en velours;" the dental sur- 
face being broad anteriorly and narrowing to a point behind ; 
the transverse, anterior, projecting extremity of the vomer and 
the outer edges of the palate bones are armed with fine teeth " en 
velours; " th« dental surface of the latter narrowing to a point, 
posteriorly, like those of the mandibles ; there is, however, a de- 
tached but contiguous patch just beyond this point on the edge of 
the palate ; the whole vault of the palate is smooth ; the tongue, as 
we have already mentioned, has been removed, nnd if Mr. Todd's 
account of the pharyngeal teeth be correct, they are not distributed 
into the same number of patches as in the perch. Preoperculum 
having a narrow upright limb, covered with smooth skin, there 
being a single scale only just above its angle ; the lower limb is 
Avider and has three scales in a single row which does not cover 
half its surface ; the whole edge of the bone is smooth and even, 
with the exception of a very shalloAv, wide notch at the base of 
the upper limb. The interoperculum is comparatively broad, its 
depth exceeding that of either the preoperculum or suboperculum, 
it is covered by a row of ten scales, which leave its under border 
naked ; tlie bony opei'culum has an acute oblique notch in its 
posterior mnrgin, producing two thin points; the lower point is 
closely applied to the apex of the suboperculum, forming with it 
one obtuse thin plate, which, together with the upper point, 
are concealed by the membrane which borders them ; the under 
margin of the suboperculum is slightly waved, forming two ob- 
scure lobes ; as in many, or perhaps in most of the percoidete 
with scaly gill covers, the margins of the pieces composing them 
are covered witli a smooth skin; there is even a wider naked 
place than usual behind the points of the operculum, and the 



118 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

anterior border of that bone is as wide and prominent as the 
limb of the preopercuhim to which it adjoins; the forehead, 
snout, infraorbital bones, and margins of the orbits, mandibles, 
labials, branchiostegous membranes and edges of the different 
opercular bones, are covered with a smooth skin; the rest of 
the head, including the temples and the top of the cranium as 
far as the " linea rostri basalis," are clothed with tiled scales; 
the bones lining the posterior edge of the gill openings are like- 
wise scaleless, and their edges, though undulated, are destitute 
of spines or serratures; the nape is supported by a median ridge 
of the cranium and a thin lateral one on each side equally high ; 
there are also several interspinous bones anterior to the first 
dorsal ; the branchiostegous membrane contains 6 curved rays, 
the anterior ones cylindrical, the posterior ones becoming more 
and more flat and wider. Br. 6; D. 6-2, 8?: P. 15; V. 1, 5; 
A. 3, 11; C. 17f 

" The pectorals consist of fiften rays, the first of which is short 
and its articulations very obscure, being visible only at the tip 
and with a lens ; the ventrals are attached directly under the 
pectorals and contain 6 rays, of which the first is spinous and 
one-third shorter than the succeeding ones; the first dorsal con- 
sists of 6 acute spinous rays, having the connecting membrane 
notched between them ; the first ray is one-third shorter than the 
third, which is the longest and stands about an inch behind the 
insertion of the pectorals and ventrals, the fourth and fifth are 
nearly as long as the third ; the second dorsal is one-third higher 
than the first, and commences nearly an inch behind the posterior 
insertion of the membrane of the latter, the 2 anterior rays 
are spinous and separated by membrane — the first of them equal 
in height to the corresponding ray of the first dorsal, the first 
ray is simple but articulated ; the succeeding ones are branched 
at the tips, and nearly equal to each other, the seventh being, 
however, rather the highest; the fifth ray is opposite the anus, 
and the tenth .... is opposite to the fifth of the anal ; 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY, 119 

the anal contains 15 rays, the two first of them shorter, spinous, 
and very acute, the branclied rays equal those of the dorsal in 
height; the first dorsal ray stands half an inch behind the anus. 
If the fish, exclusive of the caudal fin, be divided into three 
parts, the head will form one, and the first spine of the anal 
will stand at the commencement of the third ; the space between 
the anal and the caudal considerably exceeds that occupied by 
the attachment of the former; the caudal is somewhat rounded 
and very sliglitly emarginated, its base is covered with small 
scales, which terminate by an even line rounded off" on the three 
exterior rays, while they cover the accessory short rays above 
and below to their tips, thus producing a notch at each end of 
the line. The scales are rather large, the exterior edge forming 
a segment of a circle, and being quite smooth, the sides almost 
parallel, and the base truncated and crenated in correspondence 
with 10 or 11 furrows which diverge from the center, like the 
sticks of a fan; there are 60 scales on the lateral line exclusive 
of about 9 smaller ones, forming a continuation of the same 
row on the base of the caudal, and 26 in a vertical row beneath 
the first dorsal, of which 7 are above the row which forms the 
lateral line; a linear inch measured along the sides includes 5 
scales and one-half; the scales on the gill covers are a little 
smaller than those on the body, those on the cheeks ai'e still 
less, and the scales on the caudal and on the space before the 
ventrals are the smallest of all; a scale taken from the lateral 
line under tlie first dorsal is 4| lines wide and Sh lines long ; 
the lateral line runs parallel to the curvature of the back and 
is distant from the belly — it is marked by a tubular elevation 
on each scale ; back and sides dark, with a faint longitudinal 
streak through the center of each row of scales; belly yellowish 
white." — (Richardson, Faun. Bor. Am. Ill, 4, 1836.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS DeKay, 1842. — "General form that of the 
Perch; greatest depth of body under the first dorsal, and equal 
to one-third the length of body; scales large, smooth, covering 



120 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the head as far as the orbit, and extending also on the opercles; 
lateral line tubular, concurrent with the dorsal outline; head 
flattened above with striae diverging to the orbits. Lower jaw 
directed obliquely upwards and jmyecting 0.25 beyond the upper; 

velvet-like teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palatines; tongue ; 

the bony opercle has an acute, oblique notch on its posterior 
margin, producing two thin points; the branchial membrane, ac- 
cording to Cuvier, with 7 rays. Richardson enumerates but 6. 
Tlie first dorsal small ; its third ray longest, the fourth and fifth 
nearly as long ; the second dorsal an inch behind the first and 
one-thiid higher; the two first ]-ays spinous, short; the first ray 
articulated, simple, the remainder branched. In tlie only spec- 
imen hitherto examined the rays of this fin were injured, but 
Cuvier supposes there must have been 12 or 13, only 8 
were visible; pectorals wnth the first ray very short; ventrals 
immediately beneath them; anal, with its branched rays, equal 
in height to those of second dorsal; caudal slightly emarginate, 
with its tips rounded. Color, taken from a dried specimen, back 
and sides dark, with a faint longitudinal streak through the 
center of each row of scales; belly yellowish white. Length 17.5; 
Fins, D. 6-2, 8, or 12; P. 15; V. 1, 5; A. 3, 11; C. 17f 

"This is a remarkably firm and well flavored fish, taken 
readily with the hook during the summer months in Lake 
Huron, where it is called Black Bass. It will probably be found 
in Lake Erie, and of course within the limits of the State. As 
I have, not seen it, I have availed myself of the descriptions and 
figure given by Cuvier and Valenciennes. Its history is yet 
imperfect, nor with our present knowledge can we assign it pos- 
itively its proper place in the family." — (DkKay, Fishes N. Y. 
15, 18-12.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS Storer, 1846. — "Above of an olive brown, 
changing into yellowish white on the belly and along the central 
ridge of each scale is a line of the same color with the upper 
parts, giving it a striped appearance on the sides ; the first 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 121 

dorsal fin is smaller tlian that of the Perch, and is placed at a 
considerable distance in front of the second ; the anal fin is some- 
what larger in proportion. D. G-2, 12; P. 15; V. 1,5; A. 3, 11 ; 
C. 17 ; Cuv. & Val. D. 6-2, 8 ; P. 15 ; V. 1, 5 ; A. 3, 11 ; C. 
17f Rich."— (StorePv, St/nopsis Fish. N. A. 25, 1846.) (Copied.) 

Grystes nigricans Agassiz, 1850.—" Huro nigricans Cuv. 
is another species of the lower Canadian lakes, which occurs also 
in Lake Champlain. The generic distinctions from Gr3^stes does 
not, however, rest upon sufficient chai'acters to warrant its pres- 
ervation in the system of fishes; I shall, therefore, call it in 
future Grtjstes nigrlcam. It is a very common fish in some of 
the lakes, and highly esteemed as an article of food. Through- 
out the lake region it is known under the name of Black Bass, 
and may be seen in lai-ge numbers in the enclosure under the 
gallery of tlie Cataract Hotel at Niagara. Dr. DeKay describes 
it as Centrarchus fasciatus, although he copies also Cuvier's de- 
scription and figure of Huro nigricans, but without perceiving 
their indentity. 

" In the noithern lakes there is only one species of true Cen- 
trarchus found, the GentrarcJms mieas; but it does not occur as 
far north as Lake Superior, though it is common in Lake Huron 
and the other great lakes." — (Agassiz, Lal'e Superior, 297, 1850.) 

Grystes nobilis Agassiz, 1854. — "The species from Hunts- 
ville, known there under the name of trout, differs equally from 
the northern species mentioned in my ' Lake Superior,' and 
from that of the Southern States described by Cuvier and Valen- 
ciennes as Grystes scdvioneus. Its snout is shorter, the posterior 
end of the upper maxillary extends beyond the hinder border of 
the eye, the head is higher, and the scales much larger in the 
dorsal as well as in the ventral regions. No teeth on the tongue. 
I call this sjjecies provisionally Grystes nobilis Ag. It reaches a 
large size, and weighs occasionally from 10 to 14 pounds." 
—(Agassiz, Am. Jour. Sci. Arts, XVII, 297, 1854.) 

Grystes nuecensis Baird & Girard, 1854. — " Head forming 
11 



122 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

y^3 of the entire length. Mouth deeply cleft ; its angle reach- 
ing a vertical passing ba'jkwarJs of the eye; lower jaw longer 
than upper. Eyes rather hirge; their diameter contained six 
times in the length of side of head. Scales on the cheeks a 
little smaller tlian those on the opercular apparatus. First 
dorsal lower than the second, caudal subcrescentic posteriorly. 
Anal extended a little further behind the second dorsal, though 
shorter and less deep. D. X, 13; A. Ill, 11 ; C. 4, 1, 8, 8, 
1, 3; V. 1, 5; P. 15. 

"Ground color of back, black clouded with greyish brown. 
Sides dull-yellow gray, with an interrupted darker baud. Be- 
neath light yellow. Rio Frio and Rio Nueces, Texas." — (Baied 
& GiRARD, Pro. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. VII. 25, 1854.) 

Grystes salmoides Holbrook, 1855. — "Head and body 
dusky above, often with a greenish or bronzed tint ; lower jaw 
and belly white ; opercle with a bluish-green spot at its angle. 
D. 9, 14; P. 14; V. 1, 5; A. 3, 12; C. 19. 

"This fish is of an elongated oval form, arched; thick and 
rounded along the back, thinner and nearly straight at the 
belly. The head is very large and thick, especially between the 
eyes, and the snout is full and rounded ; the facial outline is 
nearly straight, though the prominence of the intermaxillary 
bone gives it an incurved appearance. The eye is very large ; it 
is placed one diameter and a quarter of the orbit from the snout, 
and two and a quarter diameters from the posterior extremity of 
the opercle, with its lower margin slightly above the medium 
plane of the head. The nostrils are round ; the anterior and 
smaller is rather nearer to the eye than to the snout, and both 
are on a line within the orbit. 

"The mouth is very large; the posterior extremity of the 
upper jaw extending behind the orbit ; the lower jaw is the 
longest, and so projects as to make a part of the facial line when 
the mouth is shut. Both jaws are armed with numerous small 
conical, pointed recurved card-like teeth ; they are all nearly of 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 123 

the same size, except some iu the upper jaw, which are directed 
inwards and backwards. The vomer lias in front a large arrow- 
headed group of minute villiform teeth ; and the pahite-bones 
have on each side a long and rather broad patch of similar 
teeth. The pharyngeal teeth reseml)le those of the jaws in size 
and form. The tongue is large and thick behind; thin, narrow 
and rounded in front, smooth and tolerably free. 

" The preopercle is nearly semicircular at its angle, which is 
smooth or not serrated, but the ascending border is slightly 
emarginate above the angle. The opercle is subtriangular, with 
its base before and apex behind, and emarginate. The sub- 
opercle is quadrilateral, and extends as far back as the opercle. 
The interopercle is rounded below, and ascends for some distance 
between the preopercle and the opercle. The head is covered 
with scales above and at the sides as far as the posterior margin 
of the orbit, but the superior maxilhu-y bone is naked. The gill 
openings are very large ; there are 7 branched rays. 

" The dorsal fin is very large and long ; it begins rather 
behind the base of the pectoral, and is single, though deeply 
emarginate; its anterior portion has 9 spines, partially received 
in a groove ; the posterior or soft portion of the dorsal fin is 
more elevated and has 14 articulated rays. The pectoral is 
broad, but short and rounded behind ; it arises rather before the 
termination of the opercle, and has 14 rays. The ventral begins 
nearly even with the pectoral fin and is shorter; it has 1 spine 
and 5 soft rays, the internal of which is bound to the belly for 
half its length. The anal arises nearly in a line vertical with 
the root of the third dorsal ray, and h:is 3 spines and 12 
branched rays. The caudal is large, broad, slightly crescentic, 
and has 19 rays. 

"The scales arc nearly semicircular in shape, with the 
diameter in front, straight and marked with 12 radiating lines. 
The lateral line is concurrent with the back, and runs along the 
superior fourth of the body ; its scale is narrower behind than 
the others, and its excretory duct is placed obliquely. 



124 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

"The head is dvisky above, and silvery though slightly 
clouded oil the sides, with a bluish green blotch at the opercle ; 
the body is ulso dusky above or of a bronzed color {sic) with a 
greenish tint; the belly is silvery, and along the fltinks runs a 
dusky band more or less evident according to the age of the 
animal ; it is remarkable in the young. The dorsal fin is trans- 
parent, with only here and there dusky shades ; the membrane 
of the pectoral is transparent, but the rays have a yellowish tint; 
the ventral is yellowish, and the anal is slightly tinted with the 
same color ; the caudal is dusky, with a very obscure yellowish 
shade. 

" The entire length from the opercle to the tip of the tail is 
equal to two heads and a half; the greatest elevation is seven 
eights of a head ; total length 14 inches ; specimens have been 
observed nearly 2 feet in length. 

"The peritoneum is silvery. The liver is large, and of a very 
pale color ; it consists of a single rhoniboidal mass, as there are 
no marks of lobes ; it is placed mostly in the left side, and pro- 
jects but slightly into the right. The gall bladder is large, 
round, and is in great measure uncovered by the right margin of 
the liver. The oesophagus is large and broad. The stomach is 
large, and has thick, firm muscular walls, with deep folds of its 
mucous membrane within ; the pyloric portion is short, thick, 
stout, and departs at a right angle at its posterior third. The 
intestine runs to the vent whence it is reflected to the pylorus, 
and then it turns backwards to end in the rectum ; its walls are 
remarkably thick and firm, and its mucous membrane is beauti- 
fully reticulated, and presents numerous small areolise for two- 
thirds of its length, and beyond this, longitudinal folds begin 
which are continued into the rectum. There are 11 primitive 
coecal appendages, which soon divide into 2 or 3 others, so that 
as many as 28 may at times be counted. The spleen is rather 
small, very pale, and is situated so far back that its anterior ex- 
tremity scarcely reaches the stomach. The air-bladder is large, 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 125 

and extends throughout the abdominal cavity; it is full in front, 
but is partially subdivided into two small pouches behind; 
within it is bright yellow at its superior and posterior part. The 
ovaries are suboval, rather broad, and unite in substance behind 
before they open." — (Holbrook, Ich. So. Gar. 25, 1855, and 2d 
ed. 1860.) 

Grystes megastoma Garlick, 1857. — "This fish has been 
identified with the common Black Bass (Grystes fasciatus) , but is 
by no means the same fish, differing in many respects, both in its 
habits and physical structure, and has not been described in any 
Avork on American fishes, so far as I can learn. 

" The great distinguishing feature af this Bass is its immense 
mouth, which has induced me to call it Grystes megastoma, or 
large-mouthed Bass. 

" In its general form it resembles the common Black Bass, 
though somewhat thicker. The head is much larger in propor- 
tion to its size, and if a vertical line be drawn, passing through 
the center of the eye, we shall find that the end of the upper 
jaw projects back or behind the line quite a distance ; whereas, 
in the common Bass the jaw will not reach as fir back as the 
line. The scales are much larger, and thickly set over the gill 
covers. Back, of a dark greenish, olive color, fading gradually 
to white underneath. If f)und in dark-colored water, the white 
will be tinged Avith a pinkish hue. A darkish mottled band, of 
about half an inch in width, embracing the lateral line, traverses 
the whole length of the l)ody. 

"Br. rays, 6; Dor. 23: Sp. 9, Soft 14; A. 14: Sp. 3, Soft 
11; C. 20; V. 6: Sp. 1, Soft 5; P. 13."— (Garlick, Treat. 
Art. Prop. Fish. 108, 1857.) 

DiOPLiTES NUECENSis Girard, 1858. — "Body elongated, sub- 
fusiform ; head constituting a little less than the third of the 
entire length ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a 
vertical line di'awn posteriorly to the orbit ; scales on the cheeks 
nearly equal in size to those on the gill covers ; origin of ventrals 



126 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

posterior to the base of pectorals ; upper regions, reddish brown, 
maculated ; a lateral dark baud ; inferior regions whitish, uni- 
color. 

"It is closely related to, if not identical, with Grystes nobilis 
Agassiz, from the southern bend of the Tennessee River. It lias, 
also, much greater affinities with D. fasciatas than with D. sal- 
moides." — (Girard, U. S. Pac. R. R. Exp. and Surv. X, Fishes, 
4, 1858.) 

HuRO NIGRICANS Giinther, 1859. — "D. Qj\; A. -^^ ; Ti. lat. 
60-65. Height of body equal to one-third of the total length, 
excluding the caud.d; cleft of the mouth obliquely running up- 
wards towards the plane of the forehead ; caudal slightly notched ; 
coloration uniform." — Gijnther, Cat. Fishes, Brit. Mm. I, 255, 
1859.) 

DiOPLiTES NUECENSis Girard, 1859. —"Body elongated sub- 
fusiform; head constituting a little less than the third of the 
entire length ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a 
verticid line drawn posteriorly to the orbit ; scales on the cheeks 
nearly equal in size to those on the gill covers; origin of the 
ventrals placed posteriorly to the base of the pectorals ; upper 
regions reddish brown, maculated ; a lateral dark band; inferior 
regions whitish uni-color. 

" This species is more closely related to D. fasciatus than to D. 
salmoides, and probably identical with Gnjdes nobilis (Ag.). 
At any rate the latter has greater affinities with D. fasciatus than 
with D. salmoides, the latter being restricted to its proper limits. 

"The body is proportionally more elongated than in D. fas- 
ciatus, resembling more in that respect D. salmoides. It is com- 
pressed and sub-uniform when seen in profile. The greatest 
depth is somewhat less than the fourth of the total length, in 
•,vhich the head enters a little less than three times; the mouth 
•b more deeply cleft than in any other of the known species of 
the genus, and its gap, is as usual, oblique upwards; owing to 
\he constant protrusion of the lower jaw beyond the upper, 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 127 

which it does very prominently in this species. The posterior 
extremity of the maxillary is very much dilated, extending to 
a vertical line drawn considerably back of the whole orbit; the 
tongue is large and stout at its base, thinning and tapering 
tort'ards its apex, which is broadly rounded ; it is smooth ante- 
riorly, being provided posteriorly and upon its middle with a 
narrow band of velvet-like teeth ; both nostrils are nearer the 
anterior rim of the orbit than the extremity of the snout; the 
anterior one is a little smaller than the posterior, and placed 
more outwardly with reference to the middle of the snout ; the 
eye is of moderate development, sub -circular in shape, reaching 
to the summit of the cranium, its diameter enters about six times 
and one-half in the length of the side of the head, twice in ad. 
vance of the anterior rim of the orbit ; the opercular apparatus 
is perfectly smooth and dej^rived of either spines or serratures; 
the scales upon the cheeks are but slightly smaller than those 
covering the opercular pieces; the gill openings are wide and 
continuous under the throat. The base of the first or spiny 
dorsal is longer than that of the second, but the fin itself is lower 
and more arched in its outline ; the first and second spines are 
shorter than the third, which is the highest, the remaining ones 
diminishing gradually posteriorly ; the tenth spine by its position 
belongs rather to the second than the first dorsal ; the second 
dorsal is higher than long, sub-trapezoid, its upper edge being 
but slightly convex and the posterior rays almost as high as the 
anterior ones ; the posterior margin of the caudal is sub-cres- 
centic or sub-concave; the fin itself is contained 5^ times in 
the total length ; the origin of the anal corresponds to a vertical 
line intersecting the anterior third of the second dorsal ; its base 
extends a little further back than that of the latter, although 
the tips of the posterior rays of both fins are nearly even, the 
anal being not quite so deep as the second dorsal is high ; its 
whole base, including the three small and slender spines at its 
anterior margin, is shorter than that of the second dorsal; the 



128 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

origin of the ventrals corresponds to a vertical line drawn imme- 
diately behind the base of the pectorals ; the fins themselves are 
broad and short, since their posterior margin does not reach the 
vent, which is situated a little way in advance of the anterior 
margin of the anal fin and under a vertical luie drawn between 
the two dorsal fins; the pectorals are of moderate development, 
not extending quite as far back as the ventrals. 

Br. VI; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 11; C. 4, 1, 8, 8, 1, 3; V. I, 
5; P. 15. (RioCibolo.) 

Br. VI; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 12; C. 4, 1, 9, 8, 1, 3; V. I, 
5; P. 15. (Rio Blanco.) 

"Tlie scales are of moderate development, sub-oblique, deeper 
than long, provided with radiating grooves on their anterior 
section only, and pectinated posteriorly ; the pectinations of the 
scales of the dorsal region are either obsolete or else deciduous, 
and easily removed with the epidermis. As a whole, the fish 
has a rather smooth appearance, reminding us more of a Trout 
than a Perch were it not for its anterior spiny dorsal fin. From 
29 to 30 longitudinal rows of scales may be counted upon the 
line of the greatest depth, 19 below and 9 above the lateral line; 
the scales under tlie throat are quite reduced in size, those on 
the cheeks being nearly as large as those on the opercle ; minute 
scales may be observed on the caudal fin to almost three-fourths 
of the length of its rays, and a few scattered ones upon the base 
of the second dorsal ; the lateral line itself from the upper region 
of the gill covers is slightly arched upwards until under the 
second dorsal fin, hence runs nearly straightway along the middle 
of the peduncle of the tail to the base of the caudal fin. The 
upper regions are reddish brown, of a more or less deep huC; 
and maculated with dark brown or black, while the inferior re- 
gions are whitish or yellowish and uni-color; a lateral, more or 
less interrupted dark band may be traced from the black patch 
at the posterior margin of the opercle to the base of the caudal 
fin ; three obsolete streaks may be seen upon the cheeks diverg- 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 129 

ing from the orbit; tlie fins are uni-color except the second doi'sal, 
\Yhich exhibits two longitudinal bars upon its ba?e; the upjier 
ones are greenish olive, the lower ones are yellowish olive." — 
(GiRARD, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv. II, 3, 1859.) 

Gristes nigricans Herbert, 1859. — "In color, this fish is 
of a dusky bluish black, sometimes with bronze reflections, the 
under parts bluish white, the cheeks and gill-covers nacreous, of 
a bluish color, 

"The body is compressed; back arched and gibbous; profile 
descending obliquely to the rostrum, which is moderately pro- 
longed; scales large, truncated; scales on the operculum large; 
a single series on the suboperculum, much smaller on the pre- 
operculum, ascending high up on the membrane of the soft 
dorsnl and caudal fins; eyes large; nostrils double; operculum 
pointed, with a loose membrane; the lower jaw is somewhat long- 
est; the jaws are smooth and scaleless; both jaws are armed with 
a broad patch of minute conic acute reserved teeth ; an oblong 
patch of rasp-like teeth on the vomer, and a band of the same 
kind on the palatines; branchial arches minutely toothed; 
pliaryngeal teeth in rounded patches. The dorsal fin is com- 
posed of 9 stout spines; the second dorsal of 1 spine and 14 soft 
rays ; the pectorals have 18 soft rays, the ventrals 1 spine 
and 5 soft rays, the anal 3 spines and 12 soft rays, and the 
caudal 16 soft rays." — (Herbert, Fish and Fishing, 195, 1859.) 
— (I think this description more applicable to the large-mouthed 
Black Bass than the small-mouthed form, although Herbert 
copied it fiom DeKay's C. fdsciatiis; but I think lie considered 
the latter the same as H. nigricans C. & V., on the strength of 
Professor Agassiz's estimate of, and statement concerning, the 
same species, viz: "Dr. DeKay describes it [^Hitro nigricans^ as 
Centrarrlnisfasciatus, although he copies also Guvier's description 
and figure of Hum nigricans, but without perceiving their iden- 
tity."* It is also evident from the context of Herbert's descrip- 



« " Lake Superior," p. 287, 1850. 



130 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASR. 

tion that he means the large-mouthed Bass, though I am of the 
opinion that he knew very little about either species of Black 
Bass. Accordingly, I have used Grides nifjricans Herbert, as a 
synonym of M. sahnokles (Lac.) Henshall. J. A. H.) 

Grystes salmoides Norris, 18G4. — "The following is an 
abridgment of Holbrook's description, connected with a few 
observations of the writer: Head and body dusky, olive above, 
sometimes -with a yellowish tint, lighter on the sides; belly 
white ; opercles light green or greenish yellow ; first dorsal fin, 
9 spines and 15 soft rays; pectorals 15; ventrals 1 spine and 5 
rays; anal 3 spines and 12 raj's; caudal 19 rays; body elon- 
gated, oval, straight on the belly; eye large; mouth very large, 
lower jaw longer ; the vomer has brush-like teeth in front; teeth 
on the palatines and pharyngeal bones ; tongue smooth, without 
teeth in front." — (Norris, Avi. Angler's Booh, 99, 1864.) 

. MiCROPTERUS NIGRICANS Cope, 1870. — "The Green Bass is 
abundant in all rivers of the State [N. C] I have it from the 
Neuse, Yadkin, Catawba, upper and lower French Broad, and 
from the Clinch in Tennessee. Bpecimens from the Neuse and 
from near Norfolk, Virginia, six in number, differ from those 
of the other rivers, in having a deeper body, and generally 
longer and more prominent mandible. The depth enters the 
length 2.75 times; in the more western forms always 3.25 times; 
in the former it is greater than the length of the head, in the 
latter it is considerably less. Otlier differences are not discover- 
able, and I regard it as a marked variety only." — (Cope, Pro. 
Am. Phil. Soc. 451, 1870.) 

MiCROPTERUS NIGRICANS Gill, 1873. — " Scales moderate, in 
about sixty-five oblique rows between the head and caudal, and 
eight (or seven and a half) longitudinal ones between the back 
and lateral line, decreasing little towards the nape but more 
towards the throat; with the sheath enveloping the base of the 
soft portion of the dorsal very low and developed towards the 
end of the fin. Head flat between the orbits, with (1) scales 



NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY. 131 

on the operculum about the size of those of the nape, (2) on 
the suboperculum broad and in one row, (3) on the interoper- 
culum broad, conspicuous and regularly imbricated, in one row, 
(4) on the cheeks moderate (in about ten rows in an oblique 
line, and five or six in a horizontal one), and (5) on the pre- 
operculum (two to five) in an incomplete row. Mouth large, the 
gape from the symphysis to the angle of supramaxillary equal- 
ing nearly a half ox the head's length. Supramaxillary not con- 
tinued backwards decidedly beyond the vertical from the hinder 
border of the orbit. 

" Dorsal fin with the anterior spines slowly graduated (the 
first being comparatively long) to the third (1^1; II = 1.30; 
111=^1.50); fourth longest (but little more so than the third) 
and equal to or exceeding the interval between the back and 
lateral line; succeeding (mes successively and in increased ratio 
abbreviated to the ninth, which is very short (two-sevenths — 
1:3.5 — of fourth), the tenth being longer than the eighth 
(shorter than the seventh) and about two-thirds as long as the 
longest (J. e., fourth). 

"Dorsal fin with scales ascending comparatively little behind 
on the membrane behind the soft rays (none behind last five or 
six). 

"Anal fin with no (or very few) scales. 

" Color, in young and adolescent, greenish-black, verging to 
yellowish-white on lower sides and abdomen, with (1) a series 
of large blotches arranged in a regular line, from shoulder to 
caudal, on the middle of sides, the posterior third of which be- 
comes a continuous stripe and (2) below this middle series, 
rather irregular, small blotches, with tendency to become a con- 
tinuous stripe on posterior third of body. Head dark above, 
white from lower half of maxillary bone, and suboperculum to 
chin and throat, and with three oblique and horizontal bands 
upon cheek, viz.: (1) one from angle of upper jaw to margin 
of preoperculum, (2) one from lower edge of orbit to angle of 



132 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

operculum, and (3) oue radiating sliglitly upward from posterior 
margin of orbit to operculum. Apex of operculum with large 
dark spot, upper fins dusky, lower yelluwish-white. 

" The stripes on the body frequently continue until the fish is 
well grown, though gradually becoming obsolete ; black spots 
upon the scales remain more or less permanently, giving the 
appearance, in old fish, of fine lines or stripes. (Color ^de J. 
W. Milner, MSS.) "—(Gill, Fro. Am, Asm. Adv. Sci. XXII, 
B. 71, 1873.) 

MiCROPTERUS PALLiDUS Jordan, 1877. — "Rafinesque's de- 
scription of his Lepoinis 2)cillida seems to have been di'awn from 
this species. His specific name should therefore be adopted. 
This change is especially desirable, as it does away with the ob- 
jectionable local name fiorldanus for this widely distributed 
species."— (Jordan, Bull. U. S. Kat. Mus. X, 43, 1877.) 

MiCROPTERUS PALLIDUS Jordan, 1878. — "Dull olive green, 
more or less spotted when young, but not barred ; usually with 
an irregular dark lateral band, and three oblique stripes on 
opercules; ends of caudal fin blackish, these markings growing 
obscure with age ; third dorsal spine twice as high as first; notch 
between spines and soft rays deep ; eight rows of scales between 
lateral line and dorsal; anal fin somewhat scaly; mouth very 
wide; D. X, 12; A. Ill, 10; lat. 1. 65 to 70. Great lakes and 
rivers of the West and South, abundant in most regions, and 
highly valued as a food fish." — (Jordan, Manual Vertebrates, E. 
U. S. 2d ed. 236, 1878.) 

MiCROPTERUS PALLIDUS Goode & Bean, 1879. — "According 
to Mr. Stearns this species enters the brackish and salt waters 
of the Gulf of Mexico, whence he sends a specimen. No. 21,311, 
12 inches in length. D. IX, I, 13 ; A. Ill, 10; P. II, 12; V. 
I, 5; C. + 17+. L. lat. 65; L. trans. 3^."— (Goode & Bean, 
Pro. U. S. Nat Mus. 138, 1879.) 




(134 



CHAPTER III. 

GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FEATURES. 

" Like— but oh ! how diflferent !" — Wordsworth. 

As has been shown in the preceding chapter, the genus 
MiCROPTERUS incUides hut two species, viz : Micropterus 
dolomleu Lacepede, the small-mouthed Black Bass, and 
3Iicropterus salmoides (Lacepede) Henshall, the large- 
mouthed Black Bass, or, as it is sometimes called, the 
Oswego Bass. The small-mouthed Bass, however, ex- 
hibits some minor points of difference between its North- 
ern and Southern forms, which are now regarded as of 
varietal importance, and this species has consequently been 
divided into Micropterus dolomieii var. achigan, the small- 
mouthed Bass of the North, and Micropterus dolomieu var. 
dolomieu, the small-mouthed Bass of the South ; the differ- 
ences, however, are not of much moment, as they shade 
into each other, and are to be regarded as merely geo- 
graphical variations. 

Possibly no genus of fishes has been the occasion of so 
much confusion, scientifically and popularly, as the Black 
Bass. This is owing, no doubt, to its extensive habitat 
and wide-spread distribution; the original habitat of the 
species being the great basin of the St. Lawrence, the 
whole Mississippi Valley — or nearly the entire range of 
country lying between the Appalachian Chain and the 
Rocky Mountains — and the South Atlantic States from 

(135) 



136 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Virginia to Florida; incliuling also the widely-separated 
sections of the Red River of the North and East Mexico. 

It would naturally be expected, in view of this extra- 
ordinary and expansive habitat, to find differences in color, 
habits and conformation ; indeed, it is surprising that the 
variations arc not more marked, and the number of species, 
consequently, greater, when one considers the great natural 
differences and conditions of the numerous Avaters, and the 
varieties of climate to which this genus is native. To the 
careless observer, however, there is but little to determine 
the differences between the two species of Black Bass. I 
have known anglers who had "slain their thousands" of 
both species, but who had never suspected that there was 
any difference except in color, until I pointed out to them 
the specific characteristics. Even those of more attentive 
observation, but who have never seen the two species 
together, find it difficult to readily comprehend the differ- 
ence. To the trained observer, however, it is an easy 
task to distinguish the variations; and when specimens 
of equal weight, of both species, are placed side by side, 
the difference is at once apparent. 

As widely distributed as the Black Bass is, we find that 
the most striking variation, in either species, is in color, 
which will run from almost black through all the shades 
of slate, green, olive and yellow to almost white; and in- 
deed these variations in color can be found in almost any 
one State, and to a great extent in any one stream, or lake, 
at different seasons of the year. In some sections of the 
country one species may be more or less H])otted or barred, 
while the other speckles may exhibit well-defined lateral 
bands of dark spots, though these peculiarities are more 
likely to occur in young or adolescent specimens. 



GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FEATURES. 137 

The fins will also be found to vary somewhat in color- 
ing, while the scales and fin-rays may differ slightly in 
number, as a variation of one-sixth, more or less, from 
established formulas is not unusual. Slight dissimilarities 
of contour, and some diversities of habits, also, exist. But 
all of these ditferences obtain, not only with regard to the 
Black Bass, but to most other species of fresh water fishes, 
and depend on well-known natural causes. 

I resided for ten years in Wisconsin, where there were 
twenty lakes, abounding in Black Bass, within a radius of 
eight miles of my residence ; and from close and constant 
observation of the characteristics of the Bass inhabitino- 
them, I could almost invariably tell, upon being shown a 
string of Black Bass, in what particular lake they had been 
caught. 

Where both s^^ecies co-exist in the same waters, the 
small-mouthed Bass is generally of a darker or more 
somber hue than the large-mouthed Bass, whose color is 
more inclined to shades of green. The coloration of the 
small-mouthed Bass, however, in some localities, approaches 
shades of olive or yellow, and there will often be more or 
less red in the iris of the eye, in some instances shading: 
down to orange or yellow; this latter distinction, though, 
like the double curve at the base of the caudal fin, and the 
more forked tail — which have been regarded by some 
anglers as distinguishing characteristics of this species — 
can not be depended on, as one or all of these distinctions 
are often lackino;. 

The most distinctive feature, as between the two species, 

is the gape of the mouth, which in the large-mouthed Bass 

seems simply enormous to those who have previously seen 

but the small-mouthed species. The contrast in build, 
]2 



138 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

and external conformation, of the two species, is at once 
.strikinff and characteristic. The laro-e-raouthed Bass is 
thicker, especially through the shoulders, deeper in the 
body, with a more pendulous abdomen, and seems a 
heavier fish for its length than the other species, convey- 
ing the impression that it is the stronger and more power- 
ful fish, as, indeed, it is ; while the small-mouthed Bass, 
owing to its trim, slender and more graceful shape, truly 
convinces one that it is the more active and agile. 

The relative size of the scales is all important in the 
differentiation of the two species. In the large-mouthed 
Bass these are much larger, there being but from sixty- 
five to seventy scales along the lateral line, running from 
the head to the tail; while in the small-mouthed species 
there are from seventy to eighty. Between the lateral line 
and the base of the dorsal fin there are but eight horizontal 
rows of scales in the large-mouthed Bass, while there are 
eleven similar rows in the small-mouthed Bass. The scales 
on the nape and breast in the large-mouthed species are 
not much smaller than those of the sides; but in the 
other species they are very much smaller; and while the 
scales on the cheeks and gill-covers of the large-mouthed 
Bass are small, those of corresponding situations in the 
small-mouthed Bass are quite minute, with a small por- 
tion of the gill-covers (preopercular limb) entirely bare. 

The size and shape of the fins also differ somewhat, 
especially the dorsal, which in the small-mouthed Bass 
has the rays of the spinous portion higher and more uni- 
form in size, rendering this fin higher, not so arching, and 
with a shallower notch than in the large-mouthed form. 

The differences, then, in the form, gape of mouth, and 
size of scales and fins of the two sjjecies of Black Bass, 



GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FEATURES. 139 

without reference to color, are sufficiently pronounced to 
enable the angler to readily determine, by ooraj)arison, the 
small-mouthed from the large-mouthed Bass; for these 
differences are constant wherever the Black Bass exists, 
from Maine to Mexico, or from Canada to Florida. To 
the specialist there are other points of differentiation as 
detailed in the preceding chapter. 

In preparing tables of exact measurements of the species, 
as also tables showing the relative weight as to length, I 
found so much discrepancy in these respects, in the same 
species from different localities, owing to slight variations 
of shape and conformation, that I concluded they would 
not subserve the purposes of a general guide, and so 
omitted them. 

Both species are remarkably active, muscular and vora- 
cious, with large, hard and tough mouths ; are very bold 
in biting, and when hooked exhibit gameness and endur- 
ance second to no other fish. Both species give off the 
characteristic musky odor when caught. 

Both species generally inhabit the same waters, and 
there is a slight diversity in their habits where they co- 
exist together. Naturally, the small-mouthed Bass prefers 
rocky streams or the gravelly shoals and bottom springs 
of lakes and ponds, while its large-mouthed congener 
lurks about the submerged roots of trees or sunken logs in 
rivers, and delights in the beds of rushes and aquatic 
plants of lacustrine waters ; but they readily adapt them- 
selves to waters of various conditions, when transplanted, 
easily accommodating themselves to their surroundings, 
and liave a happy faculty of making themselves at home 
wherever placed, so that in some localities their habits are 
as anomalous as their colors. 



140 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

There is a wide-spread and prevalent notion that the 
small-mouthed Bass is the " game " species pa/' excellence, 
but I doubt if this distinction is Avell founded. In 
common with most anglers I at one time shared this belief, 
but from a long series of observations I am now of the 
opinion that the large-mouthed Bass, all things being 
equal, displays as much pluck, and exhibits as untiring 
fighting qualities as its small-mouthed congener. 

Fish inhabiting swiftly running streams are always more 
vigorous and gamy than those in still waters, and it is 
probable that where the large-mouthed Bass exists alone 
in very shallow and sluggish waters, of high temperature 
and thickly grown with algse, it will exhibit less com- 
bative qualities, consequent on the enervating influences 
of its surroundings; but where both species inhabit the 
same waters, and arc subject to tlie same conditions, I am 
convinced that no angler can tell whether he has hooked a 
large-mouthed or a small-mouthed Bass, from their resist- 
ance and mode of fighting, provided they are of equal 
weight, until he has the ocular evidence. 

I use the expression " equal weight " advisedly, for most 
anglers must have remarked that the largest Bass of either 
species are not necessarily the hardest fighters; on the 
contrary, a Bass of two or two and a half pounds weight 
will usually make a more gallant fight than one of twice 
the size, and this fact, I think, will account in a great 
measure for the popular idea that the small-mouthed Bass 
is the ^' ganiest " species for this reason : 

Where the two species co-exist in the same stream or 
lake, the large-mouthed Bass always grows to a larger size 
than the other species, and an angler having just landed a 
two pound small-moAithed Bass after a long struggle, next 



GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FEATURES. 141 

hooks a large-mouthed Bass weighing four or five pounds, 
and is surprised, probably, that it " fights " no harder or 
perhaps not so hard as the smaller fish — in fact, seems 
"logy"; he, therefore, reiterates the cry that the small- 
mouthed Bass is the gam est fish. 

But, now, if he next succeeds in hooking a large- 
mouthed Bass of the same size as the first one caught, he 
is certain that he is playing a small-mouthed Bass until it 
is landed, when to his astonishment it proves to be a large- 
mouthed Bass; he merely says, " he fought well for one of 
his kind," still basing his opinion of the fighting qualities 
of the two species upon the first two caught. 

Perhaps his next catch may be a small-mouthed Bass of 
.four pounds, and which, though twice the weight of the 
large-mouthed Bass just landed, does not offer any greater 
resistance, and he sets it down in his mind as a large- 
mouthed Bass; imagine the angler's surprise, then, upon 
taking it into the landing net, to find it a small-mouthed 
Bass, and one which, from its large size and the angler's 
preconceived opinion of this species should have fought 
like a Trojan. 

Now, one would think that the angler would be some- 
what staggered in his former belief; but no, he is equal to 
the occasion, and in compliance with the popular idea, he 
merely suggests that " he is out of condition, somehow," or 
"was hooked so as to drown him early in the struggle;" 
and so, as his largest fish will necessarily be big-mouthed, 
and because they do not fight in proportion to their size, 
they are set down as lacking in game qualities — of course, 
leaving the largest small-mouthed Bass out of the calcula- 
tion. 

Gentle reader, this is not a case of special pleading, nor 



142 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

is the angler a creation of the imagination lugged in as an 
apologist for the large-mouthed Bass ; he is a veritable 
creature of flesh and blood, of earth earthy, and with the 
self-conceit, weaknesses and shortcomings characteristic of 
the genus homo ; I have met him and heard his arguments 
and sage expressions scores of times, and if you will think 
a moment I am sure you have met him yourself. 

Icthyologists have at various times given to the genus 
Micropterus numerous appellatives, and to the species more 
than fifty specific names, while laymen in different sections 
of the country have contributed their quota of vernacular 
names, among which may be mentioned : Bass, Black Bass, 
Green Bass, Yellow Bass, River Bass, Bayou Bass, Slough 
Bass, Lake Bass, Moss Bass, Grass Bass, Marsh Bass, Os- 
wego Bass, Perch, Black Perch, Yellow Perch, Trout 
Perch, Jumping Perch, Welshman, Salmon, Trout, Black 
Trout, White Trout, Chub, Southern Chub, Roanoke 
Chub, etc., etc. 

In addition to this formidable and perplexing array of 
names, there are other evils which add very much to the 
confusion attending the nomenclature of the Black Bass. 
Among them is the careless habit of many correspondents 
of our sportsmen's journals, who write of Bass, Bass tackle, 
Bass fishing, etc., meaning Black Bass in each instance, 
but leave it to the imagination of the readers of those 
journals as to what particular kind of "Bass" is meant. 

Now this is all wrong, and is owing to gross carelessness, 
or perhaps in some instances to a want of proper informa- 
tion, and is a habit that ought to be reformed. We should 
learn to call things by their right names. A rose by any 
other name may smell as sweet, but as there are many va- 
rieties of roses they must be distinguished by correct and 



GENERAL AND SPECIFIC FEATURES. 143 

specific names, and not by their odors. It is just as easy 
to write the distinctive name " Black Bass '' as the general 
name " Bass." 

Bass is a very vague term at best, meaning one thing in 
one part of the country, and a totally different thing in 
another. Along the eastern coast it means a Striped Bass 
(Roecus lineatus), or a Sea Bass {Ccntropristes atrarius) ; in 
Florida it means a Channel Bass [Sciccnops oceUatus) ; in 
the west it may be either a Black Bass {3Jicropterus), a 
Rock Bass [Amblojdites rupestris), a White Bass [Eoccus 
chrysops), or a Calico Bass {Fomoxys nigromaculatus) ; 
while in Otsego County, New York, it means an Otsego 
Bass {Coregonus clvpciformis var. otsego), which is not a 
Bass at all but a white fish. 

Then, again, some of these correspondents write of the 
real Black Bass, meaning usually 31. dolomieu, the small- 
mouthed species, seeming to imply that the other species is 
not real, or at least is not the Black Bass, but something 
else — a kind of -pseudo variety. Others in writing of the 
large-mouthed species, 31. salmoides — owing to its former 
name, 31. nigricans — have called it the real Black Bass, 
nnder the impression that as it was named nigricans — i. e., 
black — the other species must be some other color, and 
could not be the simon-pure article. Now, one species is 
not more real than the other; the small-mouthed Bass is 
regarded as the tyi)e species because it was the first to be 
described by a naturalist, and given a specific and generic 
name. | 

The term "Black Bass," then, is distinctive, and should 
always be used when alluding to the genus generally. 
The different species should be mentioned as the small- 
mouthed Black Bass or the large-mouthed Black Bass, as 



144 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the case may be, no matter whether the color be black, 
green or yellow. Every one will then know exactly what 
is meant, and much of the confusion and uncertainty that 
now prevail in connection with the nomenclature of the 
Black Bass will be cleared away. 

"Not chaos-like, together crush'd and bruis'd, 
But, as the world, harmoniously confus'd, 
Where order in variety we see, 
And where, though all things differ, all agree." — Pope. 



CHAPTER IV. 

COLORATION OF THE BLACK BASS. 

"And it is so with many kinds of flsli, and of trouts especially; which 
differ in their bigness and sliape, and spots and color." — Izaak Walton. 

The external appearance of the Black Bass, as exhibited 
in the colors and markings, differs so greatly and con- 
stantly in different sections of our country, that it would 
be useless to describe them minutely in a specimen from 
any given locality; for as the vernacular names of fishes 
are usually bestowed with reference to the outward pecu- 
liarities of coloring, this has already given rise to much 
confusion in naming the species. Thus they are called 
black, green, or yellow Bass, respectively, in different sec- 
tions of the United States, and not without reason, for 
black, green and yellow are the predominating primary 
colors of the two species, though these colors are often 
toned down to any of the intermediate shades, with plum- 
beous, olivaceous or ochreous tints. 

The color, however, is always darkest on the back, with 
a gradual shading or paling towards the belly or abdomen, 
which is always white or whitish. Where the two species 
of Black Bass are common to the same stream or lake, 
the siTtiall-mouthed Bass is generally the darkest in color, 
though this is by no means an invariable rule; for in 
other waters the small-mouthed Bass may be of a lighter 
or paler hue than the other species — usually yellowish- 
13 (145) 



146 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

olive or yellowish-white, but often pale green — while the 
large-mouthed Bass will be of a dark green coloration, 
and sometimes quite dusky. 

Then, again, in some waters, no distinct coloring is 
apparent, the fish presenting merely a pale or faded ap- 
pearance; especially is this likely to be the case in large 
streams much subject to overflow, and whose waters are 
often muddy or discolored. Hence, as may be surmised, 
color is not an important factor in the differentiation of 
the Black Bass species. 

While some have no distinct markings, others are 
marked by dark, maculated, transverse or vertical bars ; 
some, again, by longitudinal or lateral bands; and still 
others by mottled lines, dusky spots, or finger marks. 
Usually when Bass are so marked, tiie mottled bands run 
lengthwise in the large-mouthed species, while the small- 
mouthed Bass is marked by transverse bars or finger 
marks ; but these distinctions are not infallible, for the 
small-mouthed Bass of the Southern States often exhibits 
well-defined mottled lines running lengthwise along the 
series of scales. 

After being taken out of the water, the colors and 
markings change materially ; generally, the brighter colors 
fade rapidly, while the dusky spots, bars, or bands become 
more distinct; this change of color is more frequently ob- 
served in the small-mouthed species. Sometimes, how- 
ever, the markings will disappear, and the sides of the 
fish will assume a uniform coloration. 

Then, again, the colors of the Black Bass frequently 
change with each season of the year; and there is, more- 
over, always a marked difference in the colors and mark- 
ings of the fish at different stages of its growth. In the 



COLORATION OF THE BLACK BASS, 147 

3^oung;, the colors are brighter and the markings more 
distinct than in the adult fish, and it is my opinion that 
the latter become entirely obsolete with age. 

Tlie fins are likewise subject to variation in coloring 
and markings ; they may be either dusky or greenish ; 
reddish or yellowish ; and are, usually, more or less punc- 
tulated or spotted. The tail is often lighter in color at 
the base and outer edge, and dark or dusky between; thus 
one of the names proposed by Rafinesque for the small- 
mouthed species — Callhwus imnctidatus, i. e., " dotted 
painted-tail" — was founded upon the peculiar coloration 
of the tail of a young Bass, his description of the caudal 
fin being: "base yellow, middle blackish, tip white." 
Sometimes, however, especially in mature specimens, the 
tail has a dark border, while the middle is of a lighter 
tinge ; and often the entire caudaL fin will have a uniform 
coloration. 

There are commonly, several — usually three — dusky or 
olivaceous streaks along the cheeks and gill-covers. 

Inconstancy of coloration is not exceptional with the 
Black Bass, for all other genera of fresh water and ana- 
dromous fishes exhibit this peculiarity in a greater or less 
degree. Among the causes assigned for this phenomenal 
feature, and which have been either proven true or made 
tenable by actual experiment and careful observation, are: 
(1) character of food; (2) condition, depth and tempera- 
ture of water; (3) color and character of beds of streams, 
lakes or ponds; (4) atmospheric conditions; (5) age; 
(6) season of the year; and (7) the changes incident to 
the breeding season ; while some assume that (8) the 
power of changing color is voluntary with some^ if not 
all, fishes. ^ 



148 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Professor Richard Owen, in his tuhiiirable work, "Anatr 
omy of the Vertchrates,'' Vol. I, says: — 

" The varied, and often brilliant colors of fishes, are due 
to pigment cells at different depths of the skin, bat chiefly 
in the active or differentiating area. Those of silvery or 
golden luster are mostly ou the surface of the scales. The 
silvery pigment called ' argentine ' is an article of com- 
merce used for the coloring of fictitious pearls, and offers a 
crystalline character under the microscope. The blue, 
red, green, or other bright-colored pigment is usually asso- 
ciated with fine oil, and occupies areolae favoring accumu- 
lation at, or retreat from, the superficies, and thus effecting 
changes in the color of the fish, harmonizing their exterior 
with the hue of the bottom of their haunts." 

From the nature of the pigment cells, as portrayed in 
this description, it is easy to imagine how susceptible 
they are to the influences of such causes as those above 
enumerated. 

The Salmonidce have been more studied, perhaps, than 
any other family of fishes, and yet in none has there been 
more confusion in classification, owing in a great measure 
to the differences of external appearance, as caused by 
these various influences. 

The eminent German naturalist, Seibold, says : — " In 
none of our native [German] fish is there such variety of 
color, according to the different influences of food, water, 
light and temperature, as in the toothed salmons." 

Another able German scientist, Carl Peyrer, says of the 
common brook trout of Germany ( Trutta fario) : — '^ The 
color, and partly also the size which it reaches, vary ac- 
cording to its location, the influences of light, the season, 
water, and food, and therefore several varieties are dis- 



COLORATIOX OF THE BLACK BASS. 149 

tinguishecl, such as the forest or stone trout, the alpine or 
mountain trout, the gokl or pond trout, the kike trout, and, 
according to the lighter or darker coloring, the white 
trout, the black trout, etc." Truly almost as polyonomous 
as our Black Bass. 

That difference in food produces difference in coloration 
does not admit of a doubt. Tho.£e of the Sa/monidce which 
feed upon Crustacea and larvae exhibit the most brilliant 
colors, while those which live upon insects, minnows, 
worms, et(r., are much duller in hue. 

Sir Humphrey Davy, in his familiar work, "Salmonia," 
says: "I think it possible when trout feed much on hard 
substances, such as larvse and their cases, and the ova of 
other fish, they have more red spots and redder fins. This 
is the case with the gillaroo and the char, who feed on 
analogous substances; and the trout that have similar 
habits might be expected to resemble them. When trout 
feed on small fish, as minnows, and on flies, they have 
more tendency to become spotted with small black spots, 
and are generally more silvery." 

The well-known artist and angler, Charles Lanman, 
states : " Various causes have been assigned for the great 
variety in the color of the brook trout. One great cause 
is the difference of food; such as live upon fresh water 
shrimps and oiher Crustacea, are the brightest ; those which 
feed upon May-flies and other aquatic insects are the next; 
and those which feed upon worms are the dullest and dark- 
est of all." 

Dr. A. T. Thompson, the author of " Treasury of Nat- 
ural History," observes: "That each species of trout has 
its peculiarities of color, but the common trout is the most 
beautiful of its class; the variations of its tints and spots, 



150 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

from golden-yellow to crimson and greenish-black, are 
almost infinite, and depend in a great measure on the 
nature of its food, for the colors are always the most 
brilliant in those fish that feed on the water shrimp." 

Near Waterville, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, is the 
extensive trout hatching establishment of Mr. H. F. Dous- 
man, where a number of fine springs form a considerable 
stream after leaving the ponds and flumes, and into which 
a number of brook trout have escaped at various times, 
so that finally it became well stocked with trout, which 
propagate naturally in the stream. The trout wiiich are 
reared artificially are kept in covered j)k.nk flumes, and in 
open ponds, and are fed principally on chopped liver; 
those in the ponds getting some addition to this fare, how- 
ever, in aquatic flies, insects, etc. The stream contains a 
great many crawfish, which often do much damage to the 
dams and ditches of adjacent cranberry marshes. Upon 
visiting this establishment, I was at once struck with the 
remarkable difference in the colors of the trout in the 
flumes, in the ponds, and in the stream. Those in the 
flumes were quite dull in appearance; those in the ponds 
were brighter; while those in the stream were the most 
brilliantly colored trout I ever saw, caused, no doubt, by 
their feeding upon the Crustacea Avith which the stream 
abounded. The dull color of the trout in the flumes was 
partly owing to their shaded condition. 

Not only does the character of the food influence the 
external coloring of the Salmunidre, but the tint of the 
flesh, if I may so call it, is also affected by the same cause; 
thus Professor Agassiz states that the most beautiful salmon- 
trout arc found in waters which abound in Crustacea, direct 
experiments having shown to his satisfaction that the 



COLORATION OP THE BLACK BASS. 151 

intensity of the red colors of their flesh depends npon the 
quantity of Gammaridce which they have devoured. 

A striking instance of the diiference in coloring of tlie 
flesh from the influence of age 01^ season, is related by the 
well-known European ichthyologist, Dr. Fric, in regard 
to the salmon of Bohemia. ' He says tliat there are three 
different ascents of the salmon during the year: The first 
ascent begins in February or March under the ice, and 
lasts till May. These salmon weigh from twenty-five to 
fifty pounds, and are famous under the name of " Violet- 
salmon." The second ascent begins in June and lasts till 
August. These fish have a reddish flesh, and weigh from 
twelve to twenty-two pounds, and are known as "Rose- 
salmon." The third ascent is from September until De- 
cember. These fish are mostly weak, weighing from three 
to fifteen pounds. Their flesh is pale, and they are usually 
called " Silver-salmon." 

The trout of the mountain lakes of the Alps [Salmo 
salvelinus), according to the season and the nature of the 
water they inhabit, have their flesh whitish or reddish. 

The color and condition of the vxiter has likewise a very 
marked effect upon the external appearance of the Salmon- 
idce. Agassiz found that the color of brook trout of 
neighboring streams was influenced by the color and 
quantity of the water, and that even trout of the same 
stream differed in color as they frequented the shady or 
sunny side. He also found that fish in clear, sunny waters, 
with gravelly bottoms, were highly and brightly colored; 
while those in shady streams, or where the bottom was 
dark or muddy, and the water not so clear, were corre- 
spondingly dusky in hue; and that bright fish taken from 
waters of the former character and placed in those of the 



152 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

latter, would begin to fade in a few hours, and in a few 
days or weeks would become entirely changed in hue. 

Tlie great lake trout (Cristivomer vamnycash) exists in 
three different states of color, according to situations in 
which it is found, and were thought by the French hab- 
itans of the great lakes to be thi-ee distinct fishes, known 
as Truite de Grere, or trout of the muddy bottom ; Truite 
clcs BaiUireH, or trout of the rocky shores; and Truite du 
Large, or trout of the deep, open waters; the first being 
dull-colored, the second bright and handsomely mottled, 
and the last bluish and silvery. 

Charles Lanraan truly observes, that the fish of streams 
rushing rapidly over pebbly beds, are superior both in 
appearance and quality to those of ponds or semi-stagnant 
brooks. But this may arise, not so much from any par- 
ticular components of the waters themselves, as from the 
fact that rapidly running and falling water is more highly 
aerated, the atmosphere being more freely intermingled 
with it, and therefore more conducive to the health and 
condition of all that inhabit it. 

Tiie 'mjlucnce of light in producing color in fishes is very 
evident when we reflect that fishes are always colored 
upon the back, which is exposed to the direct rays of light, 
and pale undcrneatli, usually being quite white on the 
abdomen. Tiiis fi\ct is especially pronounced in the flat 
fishes, which swim upon the side; tlfus the flounder, the 
sole, the turbot, the halibut, etc., are dark and variously 
colored upon the side presented to the light, Avhile they 
are quite pale or white on the under side. Fishes which 
inhabit dark caves, owing to the absence of light, ai"e 
entirely colorless. 

That the age of fish has much to do with their color is 



COI-ORATIOX OF THE BLACK BASS. 153 

well known ; a familiar example being the common gold- 
fiyjij mIucIi ia early youth is l)laek or dark colored, and 
only assumes its beautiful golden hue at maturity. 

During the breeding season of fishes their colors become 
much heightened, but they lose their brightness and 
brilliancy in many cases Avhen the season is*over. A sal- 
mon fresh-run from the sea is justly considered the most 
beautiful of fishes, but after the spawning season there is 
none more sorry and ill-looking. Darwin mentions some 
very interesting pai-ticulars, among which, that the pike, 
especially the male, during the breeding season, exhibits 
colors exceedingly intense, brilliant and iridescent. 

Another striking instance out of many is afforded by 
the male stickleback, which is described by jNIr. Warring- 
ton (England) as being then beautiful beyond description: 
"The back and eyes of the female, on the other hand, are 
the most splendid green, having a metallic luster like the 
green feather of humming-birds. The throat and belly 
are of a bright crimson, the back of an ashy green, and 
the whole fish appears as though it was somewhat trans- 
lucent, and glowed with an internal incandescence. After 
the breeding season, these colors all change; the throat 
and belly become of a ])aler red, the back more green, and 
the glowing tints subside." 

The well-known and beautiful spring, or breeding 
dresses of many of our darters and minnows, are common 
illustrations of the influence of the breeding season upon 
the chanire of color in tishes. 



CHAPTER V. 

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 

"You may remember that I told yon, Ge-;ner says there are no pikes 
in Spain; and doubtless, tliere was a lime, about a hundred or a few more 
years ago, when there were no carps in England."— Izaak Walton. 

The Black Bass is wholly unknown in the Old World, 
except where recently introduced, and exists, naturally, 
only in America. The original habitat of the species is 
remarkable for its extent, for, with the exception of the 
New England States and the Atlantic seaboard of the 
Middle States, it comprises the Avhole of the United States 
east of the Rocky Mountains, Ontario (Canada), and East 
Mexico. So far, but one species, the large-mouthed Bass, 
is known to inhabit Florida, but it is my opinion that the 
small-mouthed species will also be found in some of the 
streams in the western part of that State. 

Of late years the range of the Black Bass has been ex- 
tended through the efforts of pubiic-spirited individuals, 
and by the Fish Commissioners of various States; so that 
at the present tiuie this noble fish may be said to have a 
" local habitation and a name " in every State of the Union. 
It has also been successfully introduced into England. 

The following account, by the late James W. Milner, 
Assistant U. S. Fish Commissioner, of the introduction 
of the Black Bass into new waters, will be found very in- 
teresting and instructive, and is taken from the Report 
of the U. S. Fish Commissioner for the years 1872-73: — 
(154) 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 155 

"Among numerous records of their introduction, in 
very few instances discriminating properly between the 
two species, we give the following: In 1850, twenty-seven 
live Bass were brought by Mr. Samuel Tisdale, of East 
Wareham, Mass., from Saratoga Jjake and put into Flax 
Lake, near his home. In the years 1851 and 1852, others 
were brought to the number of two hundred and reared 
in ])onds in the vicinity. The matter was kept quiet and 
fishing discouraged for five years, when tlie fish were found 
to have increased very rapidly. Some twenty-five ponds 
were stocked in the same county after Mr. Tisdale had 
initiated the experiment. Afterward, Black Bass from 
Mr. Tisdale's ponds w^ere supplied to a lake in New 
Hampshire in 1867, and to Avaters in Connecticut and 
Massachusetts. In 1866 the Cuttyhnnk Clui), of Massa- 
chusetts introduced Black Bass into a })ond in their grounds. 
In the year 1809 the Commissioners of the State, together 
with private parties, stocked several ponds and the Concord 
River with Black Bass, and in the following year other 
waters were stocked. 

"In Connecticut, in the winter of 1852-53, the Black 
Bass was introduced into Waramang Lake, in Litchfield 
County. They Avere brought from a small lake in Dutchess 
County, New York. A few years later they were said to 
have increased greatly. Another lake in the same county 
was stocked not long afterward. 

"Salstonstall Lake, near New Haven; East Hampton 
Pond, in Chatham ; Winsted Pond, in Winchester, and 
many ponds and lakes of the State, particularly in the 
northwest portion, were stocked with the Black Bass 
previous to the year 1867. 

"In the years 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, thirty-seven 



156 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

lakes and ponds in different parts of the State were sup- 
plied Avitli Black Bass. 

"As early as 1864 or 1865 Black Bass had been put 
into Bust's Pond, near Wolloorough, New Plampshire ; in 
1868 a few were brought to Charlestown and Lakes Mas- 
sabesic, Sunapee, Pennacook, and Echo, and Enfield, 
Wilson's and Cocheco Ponds were well stocked; in 1870 
and 1871 the New Hampshire Commissioners introduced 
the Black Bass from Lake Champlain into the waters of 
the State at Meredith, Canaan, Webster, Canterbury, Har- 
risville, Munsonville, Hillsborough, AVarner, Sutton, New 
London, Andover, Loudon, Concord, and in Croydon. In 
Massabesic and Sunapee Lakes, where they had been in- 
troduced, in 1868 and 1869, they were found to have 
increased, and, on the authority of Dr. AY. AY. Fletcher, 
they have become exceedingly numerous in Sunapee 
Lake, 

" The Commissioners of the Slate of Rhode Island, since 
1870, have stocked thirty ponds or small lakes in diflPerent 
pai'ts of the State with the Black Bass. 

" In Maine, in the fall of 1869, the State Commissioners 
and the Oquossoc Angling Association introduced from 
Newburgh, New York, a quantity of Black Bass. The 
waters of Duck Pond, at Falmouth; Fitz Pond, in Ded- 
ham ; Newport and Philips Ponds, Cochnewagan Pond, in 
Monmouth; Cobbosseecontce Lake, in Winthrop and ad- 
joining towns, were stocked, and a few years afterward 
were r^orted to have increased largely in numbers. 

"Since the year 1871, Black Bass [Microptcrus salmoides) 
and Oswego Bass [Micropterus nigricans) have been put 
into seventy lakes, ponds, or streams of the State of New 
York by the Commissioners. They had made their way of 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 157 

their own accord through the canals connecting Lake Erie 
with the Hudson, into that stream. 

" Private citizens of Pennsylvania introduced the Black 
Bass (^Micropterus salmoides) into the Susquehanna about 
1869, at Harrisburg. In 1873 the tributaries of the Sus- 
quehanna, the Potomac, and Delaware Rivers were sup- 
plied \yith Black Bass by the Commissioners at thirty-five 
different points. 

"" In the year 1854, Mr. William Shriver, of Wheeling, 
Virginia, planted in the canal basin at Cumberland, Mary- 
land, his former home, a number of the BUick Bass (^Mi- 
cropterus sahnoides) ; from the basin they escaped into the 
Potomac River, where they have increased immensely at 
the present day. They were moved from the waters of 
the Ohio River to their new locality in the tank of a loco- 
motive. Numerous cases have also occurred of transfer 
from one locality in the Southern States to another. 

" There have been very many transfers of these valuable 
species that have not been recorded, as they are easily kept 
alive while being moved from one place to another, and 
propagate surely and rapidly in ponds, lakes, and rivers. 

" These details are given because they show the facility 
with which comparatively barren waters may be stocked 
to a considerable extent with good food-fishes, and they 
exhibit the general interest and attention that have been 
given to this mode of propagation." 

In the account above given, reference is made to the 
stocking of the Potomac River with Black Bass by Gen- 
eral W. W. Sliriver, of Wheeling, West Virginia. As 
this matter is often alluded to on account of the marvelous 
increase of the fish from so small a beginning — less than 
thirty Bass having been originally transplanted — and as 



158 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

other parties have been accredited with the praiseworthy- 
act who had nothing whatever to do with it, and whom I 
will not ev^en mention here, it may not seem out of place 
to give the subject a little more space in this connection. 

The earliest reference to the matter, of which I have 
any knowledge, is contained in a letter describing the hab- 
its of the Black Bass, written by Mr. John Eoflf, of Wheel- 
ing, West Virginia, and published in the Rei)ort of the 
Smithsonian Institution for 1854, and is as follows: — 

" Mr. William Shriver, a gentleman of this place, and 
son of the late David Shriver, Esq., of Cumberland, Mary- 
land, thinking the Potomac River admirably suited to the 
cultivation of the Bass, has commenced the laudable un- 
dertaking of stocking that river with them; he has already 
taken, this last season, some twenty or more in a live box, 
in the water-tank on the locomotive, and placed them in 
the canal basin at Cumberland, where we are in hopes they 
will expand and do well, and be a nucleus from which the 
stock will soon spread." 

General Shriver, himself, in a letter to Philip T. Tyson, 
of Baltimore, Agricultural Chemist of Maryland, in Sep- 
tember, 1860, says : — 

" * * * The enterprise or experiment was contemplated 
by me long before the completion of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad to the Ohio River at Wheeling, but no 
satisfactory mode of transportation presented itself to my 
mind until after the completion of the great work (in, I 
believe, the year 1853), and in the following year I made 
my first trip (although I made several afterwards in the 
same year), carrying with me my first lot offish in a large 
tin bucket, perforated, and which I made to fit the open- 
ing in the water-tank attached to the locomotive, which 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 159 

was supplied with fresh water at the reguhir water stations 
along the line of the road, and thereby succeeded well in 
keeping the fish (which were young and small, having 
been selected for the purpose) alive, fresh, and sound. 

" This lot of fish, as well as every subsequent one, on 
my arrival at Cumberland, were put into the basin of the 
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, from which they had free egress 
and ingress to the Potomac River and its tributaries, both 
above and below the dam. * * * " 

General Shriver also states in a subsequent letter to Dr. 
Asa Wall, of Winchester, Virginia, dated September 17, 
1867 :— 

" The number of these Black Bass taken to the Potomac 
River by me, as well as I can now recollect, was about 
thirty. * * * " 

Mr, Edward Stabler, a well-known and reliable gentle- 
man of Baltimore, in a letter to G. T. Hopkins, of the 
Board of Water Commissioners of Baltimore City, dated, 
"Baltimore, 10th Mo., 28, '65," and published in the 
Baltimore Sun during the same month, says : — 

"After much delay and frequent disappointments and 
loss, from the lack of suitable transportation, I have suc- 
ceeded in taking in the Upper Potomac, and safely trans- 
porting to Baltimore, a fine lot of 'Black Bass' [Grystes 
nigricans Agassiz), with which to stock 'Swan Lake,' and 
also those in Druid Hill Park. 

"As a brief history of the introduction of this superior 
fish into the tributaries of the Chesapeake, and east of 
the AUeghanies — for they are, in my opinion, before the 
Trout, both for sport and the table — may not be without 
interest to some, it may be stated that some thirteen years 
since, my son, A. G. Stabler, then a conductor on the 



160 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in connection with two pnb- 
lic-spirited gentlemen of Wheeling (Forsythe and Shriver), 
bronght from Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, a small lot 
of Bai^s in the water-tank of his tender. They were placed 
in the Potomac, near Cumberland, and from this stock, 
the Potomac, for more than two hundred miles, and all its 
large tributaries — the Seneca, Shenandoah, Cherry Creek, 
Sleepy Creek, Great and Little Cacapon, Patterson's Creek, 
South and North Branch, etc. — afford fine fishing." 

" They are, I know, from the Great Falls to a consid- 
erable distance west of Cumberland, for I have recently so 
taken them, and often weighing from five to seven pounds 
— from four to five pounds is not unusual. * * *" 

The Baltimore American in June, 1874, in an article on 
Fish Culture, remarked incidentally : — 

" It was twenty years ago, that Alhan G. Stabler and 
J. P. Dukehart, together with Forsythe and Shriver, 
bronght a small lot of Black Bass in the tender of a loco- 
motive from Wheeling Creek, West Virginia, and put 
them in the Potomac. From this small beginning, sprang 
the noble race of fish which now swarm in the river." 

It is certain from the above evidence, that General 
Shriver was the leading spirit in the enterprise, assisted, 
no doubt, by Mr. Forsythe, of Wheeling, and Mr. A. G. 
Stabler, of Baltimore. The latter gentleman, being the 
conductor of the train which carried the Bass — and there 
is no evidence showing that more than one lot was taken — 
certainly had some share in the transaction; and if he was 
a "chip off the old block" — for his father, above-men- 
tioned, was an enthusiastic angler — it would naturally be 
expected that he would have taken a lively interest in the 
affair. 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 161 

The circumstance is one in which I have always felt the 
greatest interest, for it occurred at the time when I first 
left my native city of Baltimore for a home in the AVest ; 
and I have a distinct impression of the matter, made at 
the time of its occurrence, either from having heard it fre- 
quently spoken of, or from reading accounts of it in the 
public prints of the day ; and my early impressions have 
always connected the name of Mr. Stabler, tiien a con- 
ductor of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, with 
the praiseworthy act. 

At all events, it excited my curiosity as to the Black 
Bass, which I had then never seen, and prompted me to 
seek the acquaintance of that grand game-fish, which I very 
soon afterwards proceeded to do, in the Miami River, near 
Cincinnati. It is scarcely necessary to say that I have 
ever since been on terms of the closest intimacy with him, 
he having entirely supplanted, in my affections, the love 
I once bore my former piscatorial friends, the Striped Bass, 
the Blue Fish, and the White Perch of the Chesapeake 
and the Patapsco ; but I must confess to an occasional 
retrospective weakness, and a kindly yearning for the old- 
time friends of my boyish days, not exce})ting the diminu- 
tive, but delicious "Gudgeon" of the Upper Patapsco and 

Herring Run. 
14 



CHAPTER YI. 

HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 

" * •■= ••:•• they mutually labor, both the spawner and the melter,— to cover their 
spawn with saud,— or, watch it,— or hide it in souae .secret place, unfrequented 
by vermin or by any fish but themselves." — Izaak Walton. 

Spaavning AND Hatching. 

Black Bass are very prolific, the females yielding fully 
one-fourth of their weight in spawn. The period of sj)awn- 
ing extends from early Spring to Midsummer, according 
to the section of country, and temperature of the water 
and without regard to species ; in the Southern States oc- 
curring as early as March, and in the Northern States and 
Canada, from the middle of May until the middle of July, 
always earlier in very shallow waters, and somewhat later 
in those of great depth. 

In Waukesha County, Wisconsin, I have observed a 
difference of from one to four weeks in the time of spawn- 
ing, in the numerous lakes of that locality, owing to the 
difference in temperature of said lakes, caused by their 
varying depths. 

The Bass leave their Winter quarters in deep water 
about a month or six weeks ])revious to the spawning 
season, at which times they can be seen running up streams 
and in the shallow portions of lakes, in great numbers. 
Soon afterwards, tlie males and females pair off and pre- 
pare for breeding. 

They select suitable spots for their nests, usually upon a 
(162) 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 163 

gravelly or sandy bottom, or on rocky ledges, in water 
from eighteen inches to three feet deep in rivers, and from 
three to six feet deep in lakes and ponds; and, if possible, 
adjacent to deep, water, or patches of aquatic plants, to 
which the parent fish retire if disturbed. 

The nests are circular, saucer-like depressions, varying 
from one to three feet (usually about 'twice the length of 
the fish) in diameter, which are formed by th.e Bass, by 
fanning and scouring from the pebbles all sund, silt, and 
vegetable debris, by means of their tails and fins, and by 
removing larger obstacles with their mouths. This gives 
to the beds a bright, clean, and white appearance, which 
in clear water can be seen at a distance of several score 
yards. I have seen hundreds of such nests, in groups, al- 
most touching each other, in the clear-water lakes of Wis- 
consin, Michigan, and Minnesota. 

Sometimes the nesrs are formed upon a muddy bottom, 
W'ith a pavement or foundation of small sticks and leaves, 
from which the mud and slime have been washed and 
scoured ; and as this often seems to be a matter of choice, 
there being beds upon gravelly situations in the same 
waters, I have sometimes thought that this discrimination 
in the location of the nests, might be owing to some differ- 
ence of habits in this respect, in the two species of Black 
Bass; but of this I am by no means sure. 

The fenrales deposit their eggs on the bottom of the 
nests, usually in rows, Avhich ai*e fecundated by the male 
and become glued to the pebbles or sticks contained therein. 
The eggs are hatched in from one to two weeks, dej)end- 
ing on the temperature of the water, but usually in from 
eight to ten days. 

When hatched; the young Bass are almost perfectly 



164 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

formed, from one-fourtli to one- half of an inch in length, 
and cover the entire bed, where they can be easily detected 
by their constant motion. After h-atching, the young fry 
remain over the bed from two to seven days, usually three 
or four, when they retire into deep water, or take refuge 
in the weeds, or under stones, logs, and other hiding-places. 

During the period of incubation the nests are carefully 
guarded by the parent fisli, who remain over them, and by 
a constant motion of the fins, create a current which keeps 
the eggs free from all sediment and debris. After the 
eggs are hatched, and while the young remain on the nests, 
the vigilance of the parent fish becomes increased and un- 
ceasing, and all suspicious and predatory intruders are 
driven away. 

Their anxiety and solicitude for their eggs and young, 
and their apparent disregard of their own safety at this 
time, is well-known to poachers and pot-fishers, who take 
advantage of this trait and spear or gig them on their 
nests. I have known, also, some Avho call themselves 
anglers — Heaven save the mark! — who take the Bass at 
this time in large numbers, with the minnow or crawfish. 
Of course the Bass do not " bite " at this season, volun- 
tarily, but when the bait is persistently held under their 
noses, they at first endeavor to drive it away or remove it 
from the nests, and finally, I think, swallow it in sheer 
desperation. 

Food and Growth. 

After the young Bass leave the spawning beds their 
food at first consists of animalculse, larvae, insects, and the 
ova of other fish ; as they grow older and larger they de- 
vour worms, tadpoles, small fish, etc.; and, in later life. 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 165 

they vary their diet with crawfish, frogs, mussels, and 
water-snakes, until, attaining a weight of two pounds, they 
will bolt any thing from an angle-worm to a young musk- 
rat. 

Where; food is plentiful they grow rapidly, reaching a 
length of two inches in a few months after hatching, and 
at a year old, will measure, at least, four inches. At two 
years of age, they will be found from eight to twelve 
inches in length, weighing about a pound, and will grow 
nearly or quite a pound a year thereafter, until they attain 
their maximum weight. 

They arrive at maturity in from two to three years, ac- 
cording as the conditions for their growth were favorable 
or otherwise. The maximum weight of the small-mouthed 
form of the North and West may be said to be four or 
five pounds, and of the large-mouthed form, from six to 
eight pounds, though there are rare exceptions to this 
rule. 

An instance, showing the rapid growth of Black Bass, 
is related by Mr. Charles J. Pearson, at that time Fish 
AYarden for Morris County, New Jersey : He states that 
in the fall of 1876, fifty Black Bass, measuring from two 
and a half to four inches in length, were placed in D. L. 
Miller's pond at Madison, Morris County, New Jersey. 
On October 17th, 1877, about one year from the time of 
putting them in, Mr. Miller had occasion to draw the 
water down, for some repairs. He had the flume so ar- 
ranged as to take any fish that might run out. Eleven 
Bass were caught. They measured from ten to thirteen 
inches in length, and were undoubtedly the same fish 
which were put in the year before, as none of this species 
of fish were ever known iu the pond before. 



166 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

There is not an absolute uniformity of growth in fishes, 
any more than in other creatures; thus, some fish will out- 
grow others of the same hatching until double their size, 
a fact made very apparent in the artificial culture of brook 
Trout, Salmon, etc. ; but Black Bass will grow with wonder- 
ful rapidity where an equable temperature of water and an 
abundance of food ol)tain. As an instance of the infiuence 
of an abundant supply of food upon the growth of Black 
Bass, A. N. Cheney, Esq., of Glens Falls, New York, re- 
lated to me the following circumstance, and ])resented me 
Avith a fine photograph of the two fish alluded to : — 

" I send you a photograph of two large-mouthed Bass 
caught by myself. They are, or, rather, one of them is, 
the largest Bass ever caught in any waters about here, 
weighing seven pounds and fourteen ounces, and the other 
six and a quarter pounds. The most remarkable fact is, 
perhaps, the effect of food upon the growth of fish. The 
two fish in question were caught in Long Pond, near here, 
August 1, 1877. Long Pond was stocked with six small 
Bass from Lake George, New York, in 1866, they having 
been put into a stream emptying into the Pond by some 
gentlemen, who, on their way from camping a week at 
Lake George, had to cross this stream to reach home ; and 
the putting the fish into the stream was suggested by their 
catching a number of small Bass during the last day in camp. 

*' The fact of their deposit was almost forgotten, when, 
in 1874-'75, quantities of Bass was discovered in the 
Pond, which had hitherto been inhabited by Pickerel, 
Perch, and quantities of bait fish, minnows, silver and gold 
shiners, etc. While Lake George had never been known 
to yield a Bass over six and a half pounds, Long Pond has 
turned out at least a dozen over that weii>;ht. 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 167 

"The largest small-mouthed Bass ever caught in this 
region, was a five pound fish from the Hudson River, 
taken by Colonel Jeptha Garrard, of Cincinnati, with a fly, 
while fishing with me. Two years later, I caught one of 
equal weight, near the same place." 

The following very interesting account of the food and 
growth of the Black Bass, and which, at the same time, 
exhibits its voracity and pugnacity, was contributed to 
the columns of Fo7'est and Stream, by William A. Mynster, 
of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. Mynster is an exceptionally 
close observer, and takes especial delight in watching and 
tending his "finny pets:" 

I had a dam constructed in my spring branch, immediately 
below my fish ponds, in such a manner as to form a small body of 
pure, clear water. In this I placed some seven or eight hundred 
native fish of different varieties, embracing the blact bass, sheeps- 
heads, buffaloes, and pickerel. From the banks of this body of clear 
water I was enabled to see every movement of my finny pets, and 
many moments of leisure have I spent in watching their habits. 
The Black Bass {M'cropterus palliJus) would usually swim into the 
current, where he would sport about on the gravelly bottom, while 
the buffalo would retire into stiller water and browse in the grass 
and water-cress growing on the bottom. 

Thus I ascertained their habits of feeding, and was enabled to 
determine what growtii they would make in a given time without 
beinc^ fed artificially. Hence I seldom, if ever gave them any food. 
The Buffalo {Bubalirlithys bubaltis), in a few weeks became attenuated, 
and began dying. This I attributed to their being in cold spring 
water with a current too rapid, and their not being able to procui'e 
sufficient food. The Black Bass, on the other hand, thrived amaz- 
ingly well, and were making a most marvelous growth. This I 
attributed to the fact that they were in pure water of a uniform 
temperature. The Bass, although found in all kinds of water, un- 
doubtedly thrive best in clear, pure, spring brooks with gravelly 
bottom. The size of these Basa when I first put them in this place 



168 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

was from four to six inclies in length, and in less than three weeks 
had grown upwards of an inch. 

This, I mast confess, notwithstanding I had implicit confidence 
in their making a rapid growth, astonished me much. I had always 
been a believer in heavy feeding, and felt satisfied that the amount 
of growth that would be derived in a certain time depended mainly 
upon the quantity of feed tliat had been consumed. This led me 
to speculate where these Bass obtained their food, confined as they 
were in a very small body of water containing some eight hundred 
fish, and immediately below my ponds containing some 40,000 sal- 
mon, young and older. For the purpose of ascertaining this, I 
made my Bass frequent visits, and by remaining quietly secreted 
on the banks, soon discovered the source of their food supply. 

One day as I was thus occupied, in company with my eldest boy, 
he called my attention to the fact that a snake ( Tropidonotus grahami) 
was leisurely swimming through their midst. At first I felt inclined 
to pursue the snake, fearing that he might in some manner injure, 
if not destroy, a large portion of my native stock. My fears were, 
however, speedily terminated by one of my larger Bass making a 
rapid dart at the snake with open mouth, and nearly severing its 
head quite close to tlie body. The scene that then ensued beggared 
description. Never shall I forget it — such a floundering and splash- 
ing! The surface of the water for an instant seemed literally cov- 
ered with perpendicular tails enveloped in foam. So great was the 
commotion that we were compelled to retire to a greater distance 
in order to avoid being tlioroughly drenched. 

After the disturbed waters had become somewhat calmed, we 
resumed our former position in order to make further observations, 
and found our large Bass hero, with one end of the snake in its 
mouth, rapidly making away with it, and a smaller, but not less 
pretentious brother, at the other end, endeavoring with all his might 
and main to eat even with him. Thus these gamey lads continued 
for some time, swimming up and down the stream, like two boys 
running with a rope. Tlie distance between them, however, rapidly 
diminished. 

This had continued for some time, when we saw emerging from 
under a log at the edge of tlie banks one of my pike {Esox lucius). 
At first he came slowly but steadily, when he made a rapid dart, 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 169 

with open mouth, at my smaller Bass, and, at a single gulp, placed 
liimself outside of it! Then he came face to face with our hero. 
It was an awful moment of susjjense ibr some time. Our finny 
gladiators remained motionless, eyeing each other, measuring the 
dimensions of each otiier's mouth, as it were. The crisis at length 
came. The Bass, by force of digestion, had made way Avilh his 
part of the snake rope, and making one mighty effort, stretching 
maxillary and dental to their utmost capacity, soon enveloped the 
pike to a point just below the operculum. At this point we de- 
parted, feeling perfectly satisfied that our hero would take care of 
himself. 

I presume it is unnecessary to say that J no longer entertain any 
doubts as to the ability of the Bass to take care of himself, and that 
heavy feeding is indispensable to a rapid growth. 

The above may, perhaps, seem somewhat fishy to a great many, 
but when we consider the structure of the Bass, our doubts will be, 
in a great measure, abated. The variety above-mentioned has a 
.very large mouth — in fact, they seem all mouth, thus enabling them 
to envelop any thing not exceeding their own circumference, with 
ample room for respiration through the gills. The ojsophagus is 
very large (about the size of the stomach) and short. This enables 
them to take into the stomach all that may be embraced by the 
mouth. 

In the warm waters of the extreme South, which pre- 
serve a more equable temperature than those of the North- 
ern States, the Black Bass grow to an immense size, their 
maximum weight, in Florida, being from twelve to four- 
teen pounds; but while I have seen them of these weiglits, 
I never took one, there, weighing more than nine pounds, 
with the artificial fly, but, doubtless, T could have done so 
with live bait or the trolling spoon. 

In Northern waters they do not grow nearly so large, 
six to eight pounds being the limit. Under conditions 
and circumstances favorable to their growth they will in- 
crease in weight, as before stated, about a pound a year ; 
15 



170 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

but under adverse circumstances or unfavorable condi- 
tions their growth is much sh)wer; therefore, no rule of 
general application can be established from any single 
instance, or as the result of any exclusively local test or 
experiment. 

The growth of Black Bass is affected not only by the 
supply of food and temperature of water, but also by the 
extent of range. Bass in small ponds do not thrive so 
well, nor grow so fast; the smaller the extent of their 
range, the slower will be their growth, and, indeed, 
this is true of any other fish ; for it is well known that 
fish confined in aquaria, in springs or wells, grow so 
very slowly, that their increase in size is hardly appre- 
ciable from year to year, even though their supply of food 
be abundant. 

An equally well-attested fact is, that the largest Bass 
are found in the largest bodies of water, or where the 
range is extensive ; extreme depth of water seeming to be 
more favorable to their growth than mere extent of sur- 
face. For example, I know of several shallow lakes in 
Wisconsin, where the Bass seldom grow to exceed two 
pounds, while in deeper lakes in the same vicinity they 
attain the usual maximum weight of four or five pounds; 
and in Green Lake, a large and deep lake near Ripon, in 
the same State, I once caught a string of thirty Black Bass, 
mostly of the large-mouthed species, weighing from four 
to eight pounds each, and fully averaging six pounds. 

Hibernation. 

Black Bass undoubtedly hil)ernate, except in the ex- 
treme Southern and South-western States; but in the 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 171 

colder oliiiiate of tlie North and West, it has been proven 
in numerous instances, that they bury themselves in the 
mud, in the crevices of rocks, under masses of weeds, or 
sunken logs, in the deepest water, and remain dormant 
until spring'. 

This habit has been doubted by some, inasmuch as an 
occasional Bass has been caught throu<rh the ice: ihouuh 
such instances are rare indeed, and all those of which I 
have any knowledge occurred late in the winter, or early 
in the spring. As one swallow does not make a summer, 
these unusual cases must be considered as merely excep- 
tions to the general rule. 

During a residence of ten years in Wisconsin, where 
fishing through the ice was constantly practiced during 
the winter, and where tons of pickerel, pike-perch and 
yellow-perch were so taken in a single season, I never 
knew of a single Black Bass being so taken except very 
late in the winter, or in early spring, say in March, just 
before the breaking up of the ice; and even those instances 
Avere of rare occurrence, and happened only during un- 
usually mild weather ; and these same waters, be it remem- 
bered, afforded the finest Black Bass fishing during the 
summer and fall. 

Dr. D. C. Estes, of Lake City, Minnesota, an accom- 
plished angler and naturalist, records a similar experience 
in regard to La1-:e Pepin ; he says: — 

"Tlie Pike and Pickerel are the only fish taken here in 
the winter. It is strange to many what becomes of the 
countless numbers of other game fish that throng these 
waters in the summer season. Bass, which are so numer- 
ous then, are never seen in winter. I am quite sure that 
not a siuffle Bass was cvep caught here tln-ough the ice. 



172 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

I have for years tried all deptlis of water to raise one, or 
to discover one, but have thus far failed. I must believe, 
then, that they hibernate." 

Genio C. Scott, in " Fishing in American Waters," 
quotes an intelligent and veteran Black Bass angler of 
Central New York, in regard to this habit, and who fur- 
nishes the following conclusive evidence : — 

" I have never known them [Blaclc Bass] to be taken in 
winter, and I think tliey seek a particular location and 
remain torpid during winter. INIy attention was directed 
to this fact about thirty years since. At that time I was 
in the habit of spearing fish in a mill-dam on the outlet of 
Seneca Lake, at Waterloo, Seneca County, New York. 
From April to November I found numbers of Bass; from 
December to March I found all other varieties, but no 
Bass. 

"In the winter of 1837, the water was shut oflP at the 
lake for the purpose of deepening the channel to improve 
the navigation. This was considered a favorable time to 
quarry the limestone in the bed of the river ; and upon 
moving the loose rock in the above-named mill-dam, where 
the ledges cropped out, there were found hundreds of Bass 
imbedded in their slime, and positively packed together in 
the crevices and fissures of the rocks. My subsequent 
experience has done much to convince me that ray theory 
is correct." 

On this point, A. N. Cheney, Esq., of Glens Falls, New 
York, related to me the following incidents: — 

"A few years ago a man, Seth Whipple, living on the 
Hudson River, near Glens Falls, in drawing some sunken 
logs from the river, during the winter, for firewood, found 
in the hollow of one of the logs, six Black Bass (small- 



HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 173 

mouthed), weighing from a half to two pounds; they were 
nearly dormant. 

" The father of Pension Commissioner Bentley, who lives 
at Glens Falls, and has some Trout ponds on his place, to 
gratify a boy bought of him a Black Bass, and placed the 
fish in a spring. When autumn came the fish was missing, 
and was supposed to be stolen. During the succeeding winter 
the spring partly dried up, and to restore the water supply 
the spring was dug deeper. During the operation it was 
found necessary to remove an old stump in the side of the 
spring, when to his surprise the Bass was found under- 
neath the stump, in a hole, evidently prepared for winter 
burrow." 

Mr. John Eoff, of Wheeling, West Virginia, a remark- 
ably close observer, says, in the " Report of the Smithsonian 
Institution," for 1854 :— 

" In the winter season they retire to deep and still water, 
and apparently hide under rocks, logs, etc., and remain 
there until the first of April." 

I could multiply evidence on this point, if necessary, 
but these several opinions, founded u})on observations 
made in the widely separated States of Wisconsin and 
Minnesota in the northwest, New York in the north, 
and West Virginia in the middle section of our country 
must suffice. 

That Black Bass do not hibernate in the extreme South, 
is well-known ; and to this circumstance, perhaps, may be 
attributed, in a measure, their larger growth. Still it is 
not unreasonable to suppose, that the Black Bass of that 
section have a period of repose and seclusion, analogous 
to hibernation, at some other season of the year, possibly 
during the fervid heat of .the summer solstice; for it is 



174 BOOK OF THE BLAC:K BASS. 

usual for the Bass of the North- west to cease biting and 
retire to the deepest water during an unusually heated 
term in summer. 

The fact that the best season for Black Bass fishing 
varies in diiferent sections — in the North being from July 
till October; in the West and most northerly of the South- 
ern States in the spring and fall ; and in the extreme South 
during the winter season — would naturally lead one to 
suppose that the period of dormancy in the Black Bass 
occurs at different seasons in different localities, and is 
influenced by climatic conditions, or the supply of food. 



CHAPTER YII. 

INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL SENSES. 

Venator. But, master ! do not trouts see ns, in the night ? 
Pisca/or. Yes; and liear, and smell, too, both then and in the daj'-tirae. — 
IzAAK Walton. 

The brain of fishes dift'ers so materially in size, con- 
formation, substance and analogy from that of other ani- 
mals, that it has been the rule of specialists to attribute to 
this class of vertebrates a very low order of intelligence. 
In op])osition to this theory, however, Dr. F. Day recently 
read a pa])er before the Liiinajan Society of London, En- 
gland, in which he endeavored to show that fishes possessed 
a far higher order of intelligence than is usually accorded 
them. 

He claimed tliat the experience of himself and others 
indicated that they possessed emotions and affections, and 
in support of that view he showed that they constructed 
nests, transported and defended their eggs, protected their 
young, manifested their affections for each other, recognized 
human beings, coidd be tamed, exhibited the emotions of 
fear, anger, and revenge, uttered sounds, hid from danger, 
sought ])rotection by attaching themselves to the bodies of 
otiier animals, and had peculiar modes of defense; that 
they left the water in search of food, and that they some- 
times combined for attack and defense. 

Every observant angler and naturalist has, in his own 

(176) 



176 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

experience, proved the trutli of many of the above asser- 
tions, and, no doubt, some have observed traits of intelli- 
gence still more convincing. 

The wonderfid faculty of auadromous fishes, seeking out 
and ascending their native streams during the breeding 
season, even after being purposely carried hundreds of 
miles away, has commanded the admiration of biologists, 
yet they can see nothing in the small and jelly-like brain 
of the fish to account for the marvelous habit, but instinct; 
on the same principle, perhaps, that Coleridge accounts 
for the blindness of Love : 

" His eyes are in his mind." 



Sense of Sight. 

We are led to believe, from the investigations of anato- 
mists, that the organs of special sense in fishes are very 
imperfectly developed; but while this may be true, in the 
main, as regards the special senses of touch and taste, I am 
constrained to believe, from the observations of myself 
and many others, that fishes, in general, have the senses 
of sight, hearing, and smell developed in a much greater 
degree than is generally supposed. 

The diversities in form and position of the eyes of 
diflPerent fishes, prove that they are of the greatest use 
to thera, in procuring food, and in escaping from their 
enemies; and are placed "where they will do the most 
good." 

In the majority of fishes, which are constantly moving 
about, and frequent alike the surface and bottom of streams, 
the eyes are j^laced in the usual position of most other 



INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIx\.L SENSES. 177 

animals, one on each side of the head. In those which 
stay more constantly in the lower depth of waters, the eyes 
are pkiced on top of the head, as in the star-gazers; Avhile 
in the flat fishes, which recline or swim on one side near the 
bottom, both eyes are placed on the same side of the head, 
enabling them to obtain the benefit of both eyes while in 
that position. In the Pike-perch, which is nocturnal in its 
habits, the eyes are unusually large, as is the case with 
other animals who seek their food mostly at night. 

It is a popular idea that fish are necessarily near-sighted 
on account of the conformation of the eye, which is large, 
round and prominent; and the main argument adduced to 
support this theory, is the readiness with which they will 
take an artificial fly, trolling spoon or other artificial bait, 
which resemble in but slight degree the natural objects 
of food that they are intended to represent, if, indeed, 
they are intended to represent any thing. 

It is very often the case that those anglers who are most 
strenuous in their theory that fish are near-sighted, stultify 
themselves by carrying a large and most varied assort- 
ment of artificial flies, of all shapes and colors, in order 
to meet the "fastidious taste" of the fish, that often refuse 
one pattern or color, and rise eagerly to another, which 
could not be the fact were they so near-sighted as many 
believe. The consistency of these anglers would be more 
apparent, if they would adopt INIr. Cholmondely Pennell's 
theory of artificial flies, and confine themselves exclu- 
sively to his three typical flics — brown, yellow, and green 
hackles. 

Now, I am not of those who believe that our brave 
game fishes possess such extreme gullibility, as to mistake 
an artificial lure fi)r the genuine article, upon the hypo- 



178 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

thesis of near-sightedness. My opinion, founded upon 
numerous experiments, is, that fishes see and hear as 
well in and through the medium of the water, for all 
practical purposes, as the angler does through the medium 
of the atmosphere ; the clearer and more rarified the me- 
dium, the clearer and greater the range of vision in both 
instances. 

In muddy or turbid waters the sight of fishes is neces- 
sarily limited, as ours would be in hazy or foggy weather. 
It is neither fair nor logical to presume that fishes, in 
water, ought to discern objects in the atmosphere above, 
any clearer or plainer than we can perceive objects in the 
water, while standing on the brink. 

We are altogether too prone to judge every thing from 
our own standpoint, and to attribute to our own clever- 
ness results that in all probability depend upon other and 
extraneous circumstances. Who, of us, could tell a skill- 
fully tied artificial fly from a real one, beneath the water, 
when its surface was ruffled by a brisk breeze, shadowed 
by drifting clouds, covered with the froth and suds of 
an eddy, or surmounted by the foam and bubbles of a 
rapid ? 

Yet, there are those who contend, because fish fail to 
detect this difference through the same obstacles to clear 
vision, that they are of a verity near-sighted, and easily 
fooled by the very poorest semblance of a fly or feathery 
nondescript; but let one of these persons try a cast of the 
best flies upon a bright, still day, when the water is per- 
fectly clear and the surface like a mirror, and if he expects 
to get a rise under such conditions, he himself must be 
very near-sighted indeed. 

On the other hand, any one who has seen a Black Bass 



INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL SENSES. 179 

dart like an arrow aiul seize a minnow swimming quietly 
thirty feet awa}', or a Brook Trout flasli like a meteor for 
a dragon fly hovering near the water at the same distance, 
must admit that their visual powers are suflicient for all 
practical purposes. 

It is quite amusing to hear an angler expatiate learnedly 
on the dimness of sight and dullness of hearing in fishes, 
and in the next breath caution the tyro to have his cloth- 
ing conform as nearly as possible with the hues of the 
foliage skirting the stream; to keep out of sight, tread 
lightly, and make as little noise as possible; and to assure 
him, that, even then, the chances are that the fish will see 
the novice before he sees the fish. 

It is a curious contradiction of theory and practice, a 
fishy illustration of the abstract and concrete. The expla- 
nation I conceive to be this: Our Piscator would be 
considered a scientific angler, which, in his case, be- 
comes a contradiction of terms; for while blindly holding 
to the opinions of some closet naturalist, he is practically 
following the dictates of his own experience and common 
sense. 

Now, it is possible to be scientific and an angler, too, 
but our science, like our angling, must be practical, and 
must of necessity be learned by close observation and study 
of the habits of the fishes as they exist in nature, and not . 
alone from the study of the physical construction of a 
preserved specimen. 

I am well aw^are that scientists consider fish myopic, or 
near-sighted; not, however, on account of excessive con- 
vexity of the cornea, as is popularly supposed, for it is an 
exploded theory in medical science that myopia depends 
necessarily upon this condition; indeed, in fishes the 



180 BOOK OF THE BI;ACK BASS. 

cornea is almost flat, wliile in birds of prey, Avhicli have a 
very extended range of vision, the cornea is quite convex. 

From the kick of anak)gy, from the great difference in 
construction of the ocukir and auditory apparatuses of 
fishes and terrestrial animals, and from the Avide diflference 
in the properties of the media of air and water, I am con- 
vinced that the organs of the special senses of sight and 
hearing in fishes are not well understood at the present 
day ; and I am confident that future investigations will 
prove them to be possessed of much greater acuteness of 
vision and hearing, than is now accorded them. 

It is a well-known fact that fishes are attracted by any 
gay, bright, or glittering substance, as a finger-ring, a 
sleeve-button, or a coin, and have deliberately swallowed 
them Avhen dropped in the water. I have caught Brook 
Trout with wintergreen and partridge berries, the bright 
scarlet color seeming to allure them, and I have even 
caught them with a naked bright fish-hook ; but all this 
does not prove that they wore the victims of a myopic 
mistake, or that in their near-sightedness they mistook 
these various articles for something else ; neither does it 
prove that a Black Bass will grab at a trolling spoon, a 
Bluefisli snap at a bone scpiid, or a Spanish Mackerel 
seize a metal or pearl troll under the delusion that they 
are really choice shiners, or delicate piscatorial tidbits. 

A camel, it is said, will bolt all sorts of substances, as 
metal, glass, stones, leather, etc., but wdien were his short- 
comings attributed to short-sightedness? Our dogs will 
often refuse good, clean food and hunt up an old dry bone, 
a stone, an old shoe, or a stick, and will gnaw them with 
delight, and even swallow them with evident gratification. 
Birds will peck at and swallow bright beads, colored 



INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL SENSES. 181 

threads, etc. , and kittens will seize, claw and bite almost 
any moving small object; but these vagaries are attributed 
to the idiosyncracies of the animals mentioned, while in 
fishes they are ascribed to defective sight. 

But Avhat are a fish's eyes for? According to our 
present knowledge they are to enable him to become "a 
snapper-up of unconsidered trifles" with hooks attached 
to them ! 

Now, so far os the artificial fly is concerned, when it is 
cast lightly upon a fretted surface, I think it is generally 
taken by a fish under the impression that it is a natural 
insect; but with regard to trolls of all kinds, as spoons, 
squids, spinners, propellers, etc., and very often with re- 
gard to the artificial fly, I am of the opinion that they are 
taken through a spirit of mere bravado, curiosity or wan- 
tonness, and not with the idea that they are living objects 
of prey. They are seized by the fish because they are 
bright, attractive and in motion ; not because they are 
hungry, but because they are in a biting mood, for we 
often find, nay, most always find, that fish so taken are 
already gorged with food. 



Sense of Hearing. 

There is no external ear in fishes, the internal ear alone 
existing, and which is extremely delicate in its construc- 
tion. 

Dr. John Hunter observed that it varied much in the 
different genera of fishes, but that in all it consisted of three 
curved tubes, which united one with another. The whole 
organ is composed of a kind ot cartilaginous substance, 



182 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

and in 5ome fislies is crusted over with a thin lamella to 
keep it from collapsing. 

The canals terminate in a cavity, in which cavity there 
is a bone or bones. These ear-bones are familiar to most 
anglers, and are sometimes very beautiful, resembling 
porcelain, and are often called "brain-ivory;" those of 
the sheepshead [Ilajjloidonotus grunniens) of our Western 
waters are known as "lucky stones," and are highly 
prized by boys as pocket-pieces. 

A remarkable instance, demonstrating the acuteness of 
the sense of hearing in fishes, has recently occurred in 
California. As it is an exceedingly interesting and well- 
authenticated fact, and one so totally at variance with pre- 
conceived notions, I feel justified in reproducing it here. 
The account was published in the San Francisco Chronicle, 
upon the authority of Mr. B. B. Redding, one of the Fish 
Commissioners of California : 

In Siskiyou County there is a caravansary kept by George Camp- 
bell, and known as the Upper Soda Springs Hotel, which is situated 
on a semicircle of land formed by a bend in the Sacramento River. 
Wishing to have a supply of fresh Trout close at hand, Mr. Camp- 
bell liad a supply of water conducted through a board flume from 
the river to a natural depression in the ground, thereby creating 
an excellent fish pond of about half an acre in extent, which he 
supplied with full-grown Trout caught in the river. The supply 
flume is, for some distance, raised about four feet above the ground. 
About four hundred feet from the pond, a small rivulet, which is an 
outlet for irrigating water, flows under tlie flume, crossing it at right 
angles and about four feet below it, and empties into the river. 

The fall of water from the end of the flume to the surface of the 
pond is two feet, the Avater in the flume flowing with a velocity of 
three miles an hour. The pond has an outlet, which is screened to 
prevent the escape of the Trout. Shortly after the pond was estab- 
lishedj the discovery was made that numbers of fish were missing 



INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL SENSES. 183 

from it. Mr. Campbell instituted an investigation, which resulted 
in discovering that the fish, dissatisfied with their new quarters, 
had leaped through the waterfall two feet into the flume, aiid, swim- 
ming against the strong current until they reached where the stream 
crosses under the flume, they had leaped out of the latter to the 
stream four feet beneath. 

Upon discovering the method of flight adopted by his finny acrobats, 
Mr. Campbell prevented further escape by placing a screen at the 
mouth of the flume. Up to last accounts the dissatisfied fish had 
discovered no other method of getting into their favorite Sacramento. 
The questions immediately suggest themselves : How could the fish 
know that a stream flowed under the flume, the sides of which were 
considerably above the -surface of the water, and if they possessed 
that knowledge, how were they to know that they were immediately 
over it ? Mr. Redding examined the ground cai'efully along the 
flume, and could not discover a single instance of a Trout having 
jumped out at any other place. 

Mr. Redding subsequently communicated to the Forest 
and Stream the following solution of the matter: — 

The attention of Prof E. D. Cope, the eminent naturalist, hav- 
ing been called to the above facts, he has given me an explanation 
which seems entirely satisfactory. He tells me that at the base of 
every scale of the Trout, at a point where the scale is united with 
the skin, is a nerve; that all these nerves, from the base of every 
scale, lead to a large gatiglion situated on the center of the forehead 
of the fish below the eyes ; and that nerves from this ganglion com- 
municate to the internal ear. These nerves, at the base of each 
scale, are formed to receive vibrations in water. Any vibration in 
water reaching the scales of the fish is thus communicated to the 
internal ear. If, as was the fact, one of the timbers that supported 
the flume rested in the running water on the ground, the vibrations 
of this running water on the ground would be carried by this timber 
to the flume and to the water in it, four feet above, and the ear of 
the fish would separate and take cognizance of the difference in the 
vibrations, as the hunum ear in the air distinguishes the difference 
between the voices of friends. 



184 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

It has, generally, been conceded that fish can hear 
sounds or vibrations produced on, or in, the water, but 
that they can hear sounds produced in the air is doubted 
by many ; but every observant angler can recall instances 
where this doubt has been refuted. 

It is well known to many, though still doubted by some, 
that fish can bo tamed and taugiit to come to the surface 
of the water to be fed, answering prom]>tly to the sounds 
of the voice, a bell, or a whistle. I have observed in- 
stances of this kind, myself, and under such circumstances 
as rendered it impossible for the fish to see the person 
producing the sounds mentioned. 

I have frequently observed fish exhibit symptoms of 
great fright or alarm at the report of fire-arms, or other 
loud noises, and to be scared and dart away at the sound 
of the human voice, or the barking of a dog, when the 
fish could not see the orio-inators of the noises. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

' ON STOCKING INLAND WATERS WITH BLACK BASS. 

"And it is observed, that in some ponds Carps -will not breed, especially in 
cold ponds; but wliere they will breed, they breed innumerably."— Izaak 
"Walton. 

The Black Bass is peculiarly adapted, in every respect, 
for stocking inland waters. There is no fish that will 
give more abundant and satisfactory returns, and none in 
which the labor and expense attending its introduction is 
so very slight. 

As a food fish, there are very few more palatable fresh- 
water fishes, its flesh being firm, white, and flaky, and 
when cooked, nutty, tender, and juicy; it has few bones 
and little ofFal, and as a pan-fish is unexcelled. Its game 
qualities are second to none, and it will thrive and multi- 
ply in waters where the Si<lmontd(c can not exist. 

There are few fish more prolific, while there is none 
more hardy, healthy, and better able to take care of itself, 
and none that protects or cares more tenderly for its young ; 
consequently, there is no limit to its production and in- 
crease in suitable waters, save from a lack of natural food. 

In view, then, of its many good qualities, there is no 
fish more wortiiy of cultivation ; none that can be so easily 
transplanted, and none that is so well adapted to the vari- 
ous waters of our country, for there is no game-fish that 
has such an extensive original habitat. 

16 (185) 



186 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Every attempt that has been made, intelligently, to stock 
suitable waters with the Bkick Bass, has been crowned 
with signal success, which, unfortunately, has not been 
the case with the introduction of other game and food- 
fishes. The praiseworthy efforts that have hitherto been 
made to introduce the Salmon and Brook Trout, even in 
streams formerly inhabited by them, have either totally 
failed, or the results, in a majority of instances, have not 
been at all satisfactory ; nor does it seem, now, as though 
these efforts will ever prove successful, owing to causes 
which I have mentioned elsewhere. 

Streams which are necessarily obstructed by dams — even 
when the most approved fishways are provided — or whose 
waters are polluted by the refuse of manufactories, can 
never be successfully stocked with the salmonids ; but the 
Black Bass seems to thrive wonderfully well in spite of 
these and other disadvantages. 

From what has been said in regard to their habits, it 
will readily be seen that there is no necessity for hatching 
Black Bass artificially, in the manner practiced with tlie 
Salmon, Trout, or Shad, nor Avould the method be as suc- 
cessful, for reasons well known to fish culturists. 

The' Salmonidce of the Eastern United States, with the 
exception of the grayling, prepare their beds and deposit 
their spawn late in the fall, or early winter. This being 
accomplished, all further interest in the procreation of 
their species, for the time, ceases; the eggs are left to them- 
selves, and such as escape being devoured by their nu- 
merous enemies are hatched in from two to four months, 
according to species and temperature of water. The 
young are provided with a yolk-sack, which nourishes 
them for a period of from twenty-five to forty-five days. 



ON STOCKING INLAND WATERS. 187 

varying witli tlie species, when they begin to look for other 
means of subsistence. 

During all this time, from spawning until the absorption 
of the yolk-sac — from three to six months, as the case may 
be — the eggs and young are helplessly exposed to the 
ravages of predatory fish, reptiles, and birds. Under these 
circumstances, comparatively few fish arrive at maturity, 
and streams are soon depopulated by seining, injudicious 
angling, and natural vicissitudes; hence arises the necessity 
for their artificial cultivation and the re-stocking of such 
Avaters. 

The eggs of the salmonids are of a separate and non- 
adhesive character, which admits of their being easily 
handled and managed for the purposes of artificial repro- 
duction, while those of the Black Bass are glutinous and 
adhesive, which renders them very difficult to manipulate 
for similar purposes. 

The Black Bass being hatched with but a rudimentary 
or very small umbilical vesicle or yolk-sack, needs the 
fostering care and attention of the parent fish, who teaches 
it how and where to find its food, and protects it from 
its enemies in the same way that a hen cares for her 
brood. 

All that is required, then, to stock a stream or pond 
with Black Bass, is to procure a small number of the fish, 
at least a year old, and place them in the waters. If the 
water is of a suitable character, and possesses a sufficient 
supply of natural food, the Bass will propagate naturally, 
and rapidly increase in numbers. 

The only considerations to be looked after are the char- 
acter and conditions of the waters to be stocked — sufllcient 
depth and extent of sur.face being more important than 



188 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

quality of water — and the supply of food contained In 
them. It is useless to attempt to stock very small and 
confined ponds of less than three acres in extent ; for in 
such ponds, without communication with running water, 
the Bass will not increase beyond a certain limited num- 
ber, which will usually be the number of fish originally 
planted; for the supply of natural food will soon become 
exhausted, and the old fish \vill prey upon the young, 
should any be hatched, until a certain average, propor- 
tionate to the supply of food, is established and main- 
tained. 

In the case of newly formed ponds, they shcmld be well 
stocked with minnows, Crustacea, frogs, etc., at least a year 
before the Bass are introduced. It is also necessary that 
there should be in all ponds, deep holes of not less than 
twelve feet in depth, to which the Bass can retire in very 
hot weather, and where they can also hibernate. 

In some waters, one species of Black Bass may prosper 
better than the other ; for instance, in large ponds or 
shallow lakes, with a sluggish current, muddy bottom, and 
abounding in fresh-water algae, the large-mouthed Bass 
will thrive better, perhaps, than the small-mouthed species. 
But in streams, and ponds with a good supply of running 
water, either, or both species may be introduced. 

The Black Bass has been successfully acclimatized in 
England ; and at the proper season advertisements may 
now be found in English papers of young Bass from Amer- 
ica for sale at high prices, for stocking English waters. 
Mr. Silk, fish-culturist to the Marquis of Exeter, has taken 
over two lots of young Bass from the Delaware River, the 
first in 1878, and the second in 1879. . In a letter to the 
late Frank Buckland, Mr. Silk says : — 



ON STOCKING INLAND WATERS. 189 

In 1879 I went again, and started from America with 1,200 
Black Bass, and on arriving home I had 812, having done better than 
I did on the previous occasion. All of the Black Bass were for the 
Marquis of Exeter, he having borne all the expense of the experi- 
ment. jMost of the fish were placed in a lake belonging to his lord- 
ship, called Whitewater, near Stamford. Not any of them have 
been caught yet, but two of them were found dead in a pipe, where 
they had got jammed. The pipe supplied a filterer, and they had 
got in and could not get out again. From what I could learn they 
would be about half a pound each in weight, so that they had done 
very well. The first lot that were put in will be three years old in 
April, when they are expected to commence bi'eeding. 

In transporting Black Bass for the purpose of stocking 
new waters, great foresight, care, and judgment must be 
used. The size and number of the fish, the distance they 
are to be carried, and the length of time to be consumed 
in the journey, must all be taken into consideration. The 
size and number of the fish will determine the size and 
number of the containers ; thus, while a common wash- 
tub would be a safe receptacle to transport twenty-five 
Bass, six inches in length, for a long distance, it would 
not be sufficient for half the number of double the size, 
for it would require a vessel that would contain at least 
one and a half times the quantity of water. This is a safe 
rule to follow, and calculations can be made accordingly. 

For small fish, six to eight inches long, the largest size 
wash-tubs are well adapted, but for larger fish the carrier 
must be much deeper. If barrels are used they should not be 
perfectly new, nor should they retain any vestige of their 
former contents, as vinegar, oil, whisky, etc., if old ones. 
The very best ones would be those that had been used to 
hold water for a long time. Wooden tanks, constructed 
for the purpose, are best^ if they have been soaked in run- 



190 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

ning water a sufficient length of time to take up and re- 
move all the soluble matter of tlie wood, as tannic acid, 
etc. Metal tanks, constructed of galvanized iron, heavy 
tin, etc., though more expensive, are to be preferred, but 
they must be rendered perfectly clean before the fish are 
put into them. 

If the number of fish to be carried is large, it is much 
better to provide a sufficient number of containers than to 
crowd the fish. There is no good plan yet devised for 
aerating water, while in transit, by forcing air into it, for 
most of it escapes at once, as the numerous bubbles that 
appear on the surface, testify. The better way is to expose 
the water to the air in finely divided particles, in the form 
of spray or small drops, as by forcing or pouring it through 
a fine rose. I have seen it successfully accomplished by 
dipping the water out of the container with a common 
sprinkling-can, or watering-pot, and pouring it back again 
through the rose, or sprinkler, from a considerable height; 
this is as simple and effectual a way as any yet devised. 

It is a bad plan to change the water frequently, as is 
often done, for tlie change in the character and temper- 
ature of the water thus produced, affects the fish unfavora- 
bly. The best plan, by far, is to aerate the original water. 
If in warm weather, the temperature of the water should 
be noted, occasionally, and kept at its original temperature, 
or a little lower, by the addition of small pieces of ice, 
from time to time. 

These instructions are only general, and must be varied 
to suit particular circumstances. Sometimes, for short 
distances, double the number offish may be safely carried, 
in the space I have designated. Moreover, it is possible 
to be too attentive, and kill the fisji with kindness. If the 



ox STOCKING INLAND WATERS. 191 

number of fish to be transported is large enough to justify 
the experiment, the best and safest pkin would be to carry 
one vessel, with its allotted number, first, and, according 
to the operator's best judgment ; then, as the experiment 
proved successful, or not, would depend the transportation 
of the balance, on the same, or some other plan of pro- 
ceeding^. 



PART SECOND. 



TOOLS, TACKLE, AND IMPLEMENTS. 



17 



CHAPTER IX. 

FISHING RODS. 

"And now, scholar! I think it will be time to repair to our angle-rods."— 
IZAAK Walton. 

The first and most important article in the angler's 
outfit is the rod ; it takes precedence of every other tool or 
implement in his armamentarium. A thoroughly good 
and well-balanced rod is the angler's especial joy and 
pride. A true and tried rod of graceful proportions and 
known excellence, which has been the faithful companion 
on many a jaunt by mountain stream, brawling river, or 
quiet lake, and has taken its part, and shared the victory 
in many a struggle with the game beauties of the waters, 
at last comes to be looked upon as a tried and trusty 
friend, in which the angler reposes tlie utmost confidence 
and reliance, and which he regards with a love and affec- 
tion that he bestows upon no other inanimate object. 

I doubt if rifle, shot-gun, or fowling-piece ever becomes 
so dear and near to the sportsman as the rod to the an- 
gler, for the rod really becomes a part of himself, as it were, 
through which he feels every motion of the fish when 
hooked, and which, being in a measure under the control 
of his will, and responsive to the slightest motion of his 
wrist, seems to be imbued with an intelligence almost life- 
like. 

The essential qualities of a fishing-rod are balance, 

(195) 



196 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

strength, elasticity, pliancy, and lightness, and in its con- 
struction such a wood, or combination of woods, must be 
used as will best subserve these conditions. The natural 
cane, or reed pole, when it is of good and true taper, is 
the primitive model for a fishing rod, but it is not ada])ted 
to all kinds of angling, being too long for one mode, too 
stiff for another, and not w^ell balanced for a third. 

The nearest approach to a perfect rod, in theory, and 
composed entirely and alone of any one variety of wood 
proper, is a red cedar rod, made entirely of one piece from 
butt to tip. It combines all of the essential qualities of a rod, 
and can be made suitable for any method of angling, long 
or short, stiff or pliant, and withal, is extremely light ; 
but in practice it is not tough or strong enough for the 
ordinary angler. And so each and every kind of wood 
has some objections when used, alone, in the construction 
of a rod ; most kinds of wood making a rod too heavy, 
when other qualities are all right. 

The next best thing is to use a combination of woods, 
and this plan has been found by experience to be the best. 
Another plan is to alter the natural conditions of a wood 
by mechanical skill, as in the split bamboo rod, by which 
the original natural good qualities are not only preserved, 
but improved upon by the skill of the workman. 

Material for Eods. 

In order to get proper and desired action of combined 
woods, and for convenience, portability, and ease of being 
repaired, rods are very properly made in several pieces, or 
joints. The fewer pieces used, however, the better will 
be the action of the rod, and, in fact, two, or at most, 



FISHING-EODS. 197 

three pieces, are sufficient for all kinds of rods except 
Salmon-rods, which are of a necessity the longest rods 
made. 

In the selection of woods for a rod, such kinds must be 
used as possess the principal attributes of a fishing-rod, 
which are toughness apd elasticity; and when these qual- 
ities are combined with lightness, there is nothing more 
to be desired, for proper modeling will insure perfect bal- 
ance and pliancy. 

Many kinds of native and foreign woods have been 
tried and experimented with to produce a rod perfect 
in action, such as cane, ash, hickory, maple, basswood, 
ironwood, hornbeam, cedar, barberry, bamboo, memel, 
lancewood, mahoe, greenheart, bethabara, or wasahba, etc. 

Ash. — For butts of rods there is no wood so suitable 
as good, close-grained, second-growth white-ash. It is 
straight-grained, light, springy, and strong, and in some 
kinds of rods it is also available for second pieces or joints, 
having a springy "snap" possessed by no other wood. 

Lancewood. — For second pieces and tips, lancewood, 
when of good quality, stands pre-eminent, being close- 
grained, tough, and extremely elastic, with sufficient spring 
and snap for small joints. It is used for tops, or tips, 
more universally than any other wood, on account of its 
superiority over all other varieties for this purpose. It is 
rather heavy for butts, though often used for this purpose, 
some fly-rods being constructed entirely of this fine wood, 
making very durable and beautiful rods, with a delightful 
action, but still rather heavy for most anglers. Mr. Orvis, 
of Manchester, Vermont, however, makes lancewood fly- 
rods with a short hand-piece of other material, which are 
most excellent and serviceable rods. I have used one with 



198 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the utmost pleasure and satisfaction, and can fully recom- 
mend it. 

Greenheart is next to lancewood for tips, and for 
second joints is preferred by many; it is somewhat heavy, 
and quite tough and springy. Many rods are made entirely 
of this wood, and are excellent, too, by the way, but most 
too heavy for the admirers of light rods. It certainly 
forms very handsome rods, Avhen nicely polished, and 
which are capable of good and hard service. In England 
it is a favorite wood for fly-rods, where, as a rule, much 
heavier rods are used than in our own country. 

Bethabara, or AYasahba. — This wood was, I believe, 
introduced several years ago by A. B. Shipley & Son, of 
Philadelpliia, who make a specialty of rods of this hand- 
some material. It is very dark in color, resembling, some- 
what, black-walnut in this respect. It is extremely hard 
and close-grained, almost like bone in density, though it 
is rather heavy, except for second pieces and tips. Messrs. 
Shipley say that no other wood can equal it for great 
strength, toughness, and elasticity. It is susceptible of a 
beautiful polish, and I know of no other wood that makes 
so handsome a rod in its natural color. Never having 
tried a rod of this material, I can not speak of its action, 
though I am sure, from its inherent qualities, as exhibited 
in some specimens of the wood which I have examined, 
that it is eminently serviceable for the smaller joints. I 
have seen some rods of this material, made by George B. 
Ellard, of Cincinnati, which have done good service, and 
are much admired. 

Cedar. — As before stated, red cedar makes a perfect rod, 
except in its lack of toughness or strength. For Trout 
fly-rods, in the hands of an expert with light rods, it is 



FISHING-RODS. 199 

all that can be desired, but it needs to bo handled with the 
skill of a master, and by one who loves his rod next to his 
wife, de facto, or intended. 

Hickory. — This wood was formerly much vised, espe- 
cially in the construction of certain parts of Salmon-rods, 
but its use has been entirely discontinued, in this country, 
at least. It is, of course, the toughest of woods, but lacks 
spring and elasticity, having a tendency to warp and be- 
come permanently bent, by the continual strain to which 
a rod is subjected. 

Hornbeam has been used to some extent in the manu- 
facture of rods, and is well spoken of by those who have 
used it. It is very difficult, however, to procure it straight- 
grained, which it should be to make it available for fishing- 
rods. It is quite tough, but pretty heavy, and is in no 
way equal to lancewood for tips or second joints, for which 
purposes it has been mostly used, though there have been 
a few fly-rods constructed entirely of this wood. If per- 
fectly straight-grained, it no doubt answers a good purpose. 

Mahoe is a foreign wood now coming into vogue for rods, 
and more especially for fly -rods. It resembles ash some- 
M'hat in its qualities, being not very heavy, and quite 
springy and elastic. It is much used in Havana for springs 
of that queer looking, high-wheeled vehicle, the volante. 
It is much praised by some for producing rods of a su- 
perior action, but as I have had no personal experience 
with them, I am unable to say any thing for or against 
them. 

Marle and Basswood are used only in the construc- 
tion of cheap and common rods, and need no further 
mention here, except that curly maple is sometimes used 
for short and ornamental butts, or hand-pieces. 



200 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Cane, or Reed. — Native and foreign cane poles are 
much used for fishing-rods, especially in certain kinds of 
angling where no reel is required, and for such service an- 
swer a good purpose. The native canes are the lightest, 
though not so strong and durable as the Chinese or Jap- 
anese canes. 

Calcutta Bamboo. — The East Indian, or, as it is gen- 
erally termed, the Calcutta bamboo, is the best of all ma- 
terial for the construction of a perfect rod when carefully 
made by a skillful and master workman. In its natural 
state it is almost perfect in its action, and possesses all the^ 
desired qualities for certain modes of angling, but for 
methods that require a shorter and lighter, or more pliant 
rod, these additional features can be secured by altering 
the original conditions of the cane, by sawing it into strips 
and accurately fitting and gluing them together; thus re- 
ducing the caliber, and, at the same time, preserving and 
enhancing all the essential and desirable qualities in a 
more compact form. 

There are two kinds of Calcutta bamboo, known to the 
trade as "male" and " feuKvle " canes. The former is 
nearly solid, hard, and very tough, with large and protuber- 
ant knots or joints, where, when growing, are attached the 
leaves and tendril-like branches, which are so tough as to 
render it necessary to burn them off; this gives to these 
canes the peculiar clouded and burnt appearance, which 
adds so much to the beauty of the split bamboo rod. The 
female cane is hollow through its entire length, except just 
at the joints or bulges, which are not so prominent as in 
the male cane. The male cane is the best to use in its 
natural state, but for split bamboo rods, the selected female 
cane is to be preferred, as it makes the most perfect rod. 



fishing- rods. 201 

Origin of the Split Bamboo Rod. 

The split bamboo rod being an American institution, 
and there being no reliable record of its early manufacture, 
I may be pardoned for giving a brief space to its consid- 
eration. I consider it the greatest invention ever nia^e per- 
taining to the art of angling, equaling the invention of 
the breech-loading ritle and shot-gun for field sports. 

The history of the "split bamboo," "section bamboo," 
or, as it is sometimes called, the " rent and glued bamboo" 
rod, although of recent origin — dating back only some 
thirty years — is somewhat obscure. Several persons have 
laid claim to the invention, though with what justice, it 
has, heretofore, never been clearly determined. 

There is no important mechanical invention that has, in 
its inception and principle, sprung entirely and spontane- 
ously from the brain of any single individual, and this 
will apply to the split bamboo rod as well ; for though 
purely an American invention, as now constructed, the 
idea, or principle, is really of English origin. Rods formed 
of several pieces of wood, that is, from two to four longi- 
tudinal sections mitred and glued together, were made in 
England many years ago ; and Aldred, of London, made 
rod tips, or, as they are called in England, "tops," of split 
bamboo, long before the split bamboo rod, proper, was 
made in this country. A\dred's tops, however, were nec- 
essarily a fiilure, from the faulty method of their construc- 
tion. He made them of many short pieces, sawn from be- 
tween the knots, or leaf-ridges, of the male cane, and 
spliced, to form continuous lengths. So much for the 
original idea. 

It is not ray province, nor desire, to detract one iota 



202 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

from the credit or just due of any one in this matter, but 
rather to render unto Cuesar those things that belong to 
Ctesar. I will present only such evidence as is entirely 
trustworthy, having been obtained from authentic sources, 
and put it on record here as reliable data in regard to the 
early sliistory of the American split bamboo rod; and in 
so doing I hope to do justice to an obscure, but worthy 
brother of the angle. 

The first split bamboo rods were made by Mr. Samuel 
Phillippi, a gunsmith of Easton, Pennsylvania, about the 
year 1848. Mr. Phillippi was an angler of some local 
repute, and died about 1878. Mr. Charles H. Luke, a 
veteran angler of Newark, New Jersey, formerly lived in 
Easton, and was a near neighbor of Phillippi, with whom 
he fished and hunted on many occasions. He naturally 
spent much of his spare time at Phillippi's gun-shop, where, 
about 1850, he watched him for hours at a time making 
split bamboo trout fly-rods, in which, being a fine and exact 
workman, he took great pride. 

Mr. Charles F. Murphy, of Newark, New Jersey, famous 
as one of the best makers of split bamboo rods, and who 
has few, if any, superiors as a fly-fisher, corroborates Mr. 
Luke's testimony, and says that Phillippi used split bamboo 
for fly-rods, certainly as far back as 1848, and further 
says: "I am certain you can give Phillippi credit for the 
discovery of split bamboo for fly-rods, without fear of con- 
tradiction." 

Dr. W. W. Bowlby, of New York City, a gentleman 
well known as an angler, says: "My earliest recollection 
of the split bamboo rod dates back to about the year 1852. 
At that time I lived in New Jersey, near Easton, Penn- 
sylvania, and fished in the same waters in New Jersey and 



FISHING-RODS. 203 

Pennsylvania with an old gunsmith, of Easton, known 
among us as " Old Sam Phillippi." It was about the year 
above named that I saw a split bamboo rod in his posses- 
sion, and he informed me at that time, that he was the 
originator of the idea; and to him, I earnestly believe, 
belongs the credit of having first conceived the idea of 
constructing a rod from such material. Phillippi's rods 
were three joints, second joint and tip split bamboo ; butt 
was made of ash." 

I have similar statements from other gentlemen, whose 
names I do not feel at liberty to disclose, but their testi- 
mony is to the same efiFect, qualified in some instances by 
the remark that Phillippi's rods were crude affairs; and 
which, though true, does not detract in any degree from 
the credit due him. Phillippi's rods were made in three 
joints, or pieces, two of which, only, were of split bamboo, 
the butt being ash, and stained to imitate bamboo ; but 
the bamboo joints were made on the same principle as 
those of to-day, though composed of but four . strips. 
Phillippi's rods seem poor things now, but at that time 
they seemed wonderful. 

The first complete split bamboo rod, that is, all of the 
joints being of this material, seems to have been made by 
Mr. E. A. Green, of Newark, New Jersey, about ISGO, 
though some claim that the late Mr. Thaddeus Norris, of 
Philadelphia, is entitled to this honor; however this may 
be, they were both subsequent to Mr. Phillippi, and their 
rods were merely improvements on his more primitive 
efforts. AVhether either or both of these gentlemen had 
any knowledge of Mr. Phillippi's rods, or whether the idea 
was original with them, is not material, and docs not affect 
Phillippi's claim of priorrty. Mr. Green being a skillful 



204 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

and ingeni9us mechanic, and a thorough and expert angler, 
produced excellent rods, though for his own use, only. 

The first perfect split bamboo rods for the trade were 
made by Mr. Charles F. Murphy, of Newark, Avho, after 
seeing Mr. Green's rods, saw a chance for still greater im- 
provement; and Mr. Green, knowing him to be an artistic 
and skillful wood-worker, encouraged him to undertake 
their manufacture, which he did about 18G3-'64. 

Mr. Murphy made the first split bamboo Salmon-rod in 
1865, which Dr. Andrew Clerk took to Scotland, where it 
proved a success. Subsequently, Genio C. Scott took the 
same rod to the St. Lawrence, and, on his return, published 
an interesting account of his trip, and the use of the rod, in 
Wilkes' " Spirit of the Times," in the same year. The 
first split bamboo Black Bass rod was made by Mr. Mur- 
phy, in I860. 

Up to this time all split bamboo rods were composed of 
but four strips or sections. About 1870, Mr. H. L. Leon- 
ard, of Bangor, Maine, began making the six-strip bamboo 
rod, and Dr. A. H. Fowler soon followed him. Mr. Leon- 
ard is one of the most skillful makers of split bamboo rods 
in the country ; the angler who is the fortunate possessor of 
one of his best rods ought to be a happy man ; I speak 
from experience. Although Leonard's rods were the first 
six-strip rods put in the market, Mr. Murphy had perfected 
one some time before. 

To Andrew Clerk & Co., and their successors. Abbey & 
Imbrie, 48 Maiden Lane, New York City, howevei', be- 
long the credit and honor of bringing this rod to its present 
state of perfection and prominence. They were the first 
patrons of Phillippi, Murphy, and Leonard, and gave them 
every assistance and encouragement. 



FISHING-RODS. 205 

This firm was tlie first to make a specialty of the manu- 
facture of the split bamboo rod, and was the first to in- 
troduce the six-section rod, those previously made for 
them by Phillippi and Murphy being four-section rods. 
They subsequently trained skilled mechanics to this branch 
of their business, and until they had made a success of the 
split bamboo rod, they stood alone in the enterprise, being 
ridiculed by other manufacturers and dealers for pursuing 
a phantom and a false idea. 

They persisted in their course, however, in spite of 
op[)Osition and ridicule, and to-day enjoy the fruits of 
their devotion to the idea of pn)ducing "the best rod 
in the world." And by their pluck and commenda- 
ble enterprise and persistent endeavors, notwithstanding 
the repeated failures and petty annoyances incident to 
their experiments, they have at last the satisfaction of 
knowing that their efforts have been appreciated by 
anglers, and that their large experience has put them 
far in the advance as manufacturers of this unexcelled 
rod; and the fi\ct that other manufacturers have since 
taken up the making of this rod as an important part 
of their business, proves that the original position and 
faith of Andrew Clerk & Co., and their successors, 
Abbey & Irabrie, in regard to the merits of the split 
bamboo rod, were well founded. 

The best form of the split bamboo rod, as proved by 
actual service, is the round, six-section rod. Many ex- 
periments have been made to improve upon this method, 
but they have resulted in failure. The hexagonal rod is 
claimed by its supporters to be preferable to the round 
rod, inasmuch as there is no cutting away of the sur- 
face enamel or outside siliceous coating, at the angleS; 



206 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

as in the formation of the round rod, and therefore is a 
stronger rod. 

While this looks plausible enough to the superficial 
reasoner, it has no foundation in iact. The hexagonal 
rod is not a true six-sided figure, but rather a round 
figure with six angles; for the face of each section is 
of course slightly rounded, or convex, as it originally 
existed in the cane, and the extremely small amount of 
outside surface that is taken off at the angles to make 
the rod perfectly round does not amount to any thing in 
reality, or weaken the rod a particle. On the contrary, 
it lessens the liability of the sections becoming separated 
by use, from the prominence of the jointed angles or 
seams, as in the hexagonal rod, which are liable to 
become bruised or chipped off by striking or rubbing 
against hard substances, as rocks, trees, boats, etc., and 
so exposing the seams to the action of air and moisture, 
which softens the glue and causes the strips to separate. 

Another plan has been advocated, to reverse the pro- 
cess in sawing the strips, and place the enamel or outside 
coating at the interior of the rod. And still another, 
and somewhat better plan, by the way, has been proposed, 
more especially for tips, as follows: 



U III . 

The shaded sides of the sections represent the outer 
coating. The sections are to be pressed together, and 
glued in the position in which they are drawn in the 
figure, which brings the enamel of each strip partly in- 
side and partly outside ; the piece is then worked down 



FISHING-KODS. 207 

to a round form, having the center of enamel, and the 
circumference of alternate strips of inside and a small 
portion of the siliceous or outside layer. 

Then these rods have been made of eight and nine 
strips; but there is no real merit in any of these last- 
mentioned plans, and the six-section, outside enamel, 
hexagonal or round, is the only common-sense, practical 
plan. 

The following table of relative weights and measure- 
ments of section-bamboo fly-rods, ■which, however, can 
only be approximate, is furnished by Messrs. Abbey & 
Jrabrie, No. 48 Maiden Lane, New York City : 

LENGTH or ROD. WEIGHT OF EEEL PLATE. TOTAL AVEIGHT. 

11 feet If ounces. 9 ounces. 

11^ feet 2 " 10 " 

' 12 feet 21 " 12 " 

14 feet 2} " 18 " 

16 feet 2f " 28 " 

.16J feet 21 " 31 " 

17 feet 3 " 36 " 

17i feet 31- " ■ 40 " 

15 feet 3^ " 44 " 

19 feet ^ " 50 " 

20 feet 4 " 54 " 



Black Bass Bait Eods. 

The Black Bass and his mode of capture has hitherto 
been altogether too much neglected, if not entirely 
ignored, by most of our writers upon the gentle art, 
either from a lack of interest, or a want of proper in- 
formation, upon the subject. Some works, that have 
been held in the higheSt esteem, contain the least infer- 



208 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

mation upon Black Bass angling, and even that little is 
totally unreliable and unsatisfactory. As a rule, our 
angling authors have damned the Black Bass with faint 
praise, and have given but the most primitive methods 
for its capture. 

Most writers have devoted their attention exclusively 
to the Salmon and Brook Trout, among the fresh-water 
game fishes, or to the Striped Bass, Blue Fish and Weak 
Fish, among the salt-water species. While acknowledg- 
ing the game qualities and fine sport afforded the angler 
by these different species, and which acknowledgment is 
founded upon ample personal experience with them all — 
excepting the Salmon — I regard the Black Bass as one of 
our gamest fishes ; and an experience of twenty-five 
years has convinced me that the sport afforded by it 
is not surpassed by the pursuit of any other member of 
the finny tribe, excepting possibly the Salmon, with which 
"King of the waters," as I have just stated, I have had 
no experience. 

But in order to realize Black Bass fishing in its per- 
fection, suitable tackle must be employed. Fishing for 
Brook Trout with a bean-pole for a rod, and a piece of 
raw meat for bait, would not be considered sport in the 
true meaning of the term, nor should the pursuit of the 
Black Bass, under similar conditions, be so regarded; 
yet the methods of Black Bass angling heretofore de- 
scribed by our angling authors, and practiced by most 
anglers, are open to the same olijections. 

Until within the past few years such primitive rods as 
the cane-pole of the South, the alder or hendock of the 
Middle States, or the tamarack pole of the North-west, 
were, when well selected, light, and of true taper, equal 



FISHING-EODS. 209. 

to or superior to any thing offered by the dealers. Ten 
years ago, a person entering a taclvle shop in a Western 
town, and inquiring for Bass tackle, would be presented 
WMth a rod from twelve to sixteen feet long, weighing 
from one to two pounds ; a large brass reel, with a 
handle like a coffee-mill crank ; a line like a chalk lin ?, 
and a large ungainly hook with a side bend — and all this 
formidable array of clumsy apparatus to do battle with 
such a thoroughbred and noble foe as the Black Bass! 
Combination rods, general rods, perch rods, cheap striped 
bass tackle, et hoc, genus omne, had been, as a rule, manu- 
factured for the Western market, and sold for Black Bass 
fishing. 

This was the more surprising, as the Black Bass in- 
habited so many of the waters of the Union, from New 
England to Florida, and from Maryland to Missouri. 
He was, moreover, the acknowledged peer of the Brook 
Trout for gameness by those who knew him best ; and it 
was '' a consummation devoutly to be wished '' that as 
much skill should be displayed in his capture, and as 
elegant and as suitable tackle employed for the purpose 
as in the case of his speckled rival. 

Those enthusiastic and observant anglers, who learned 
from experience that there was a want not supplied in 
Black Bass rods, as offered by the trade, and who pos- 
sessed sufficient ingenuity, constructed their own rods, 
and fished in their own way; and as these worthy souls 
were generally regarded as authority in their respective 
localities on the subject of Black Bass fishing, and not 
without reason, their particular style of rod was adopted 
in their particular locality as the " perfect bass rod." 

This will account for the marked difference of opinion 
18 



210 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

upon this subject in different sections of the country, 
for each such rod was made in accordance with the style 
of fishino;, and the character of the w^aters to be fished. 

Some years ago, Avhile residing in Wisconsin, I con- 
ceived the idea of writing a book on the Black Bass, in 
order to do justice to a fish that seemed to be but little 
understood; and likewise to divest the sport of Black 
Bass angling — as it then existed — of some of its primi- 
tive and disagreeable features, and give it a higher place 
in the catalogue of noble sports. 

I was convinced that it was only necessary to present 
the claims of the Black Bass in a proper light, and to 
give a description of the most suitable tackle for its 
capture, to induce the angling fraternity to accord full 
justice to a noble fish, which I was satisfied was, for 
luany reasons, destined to become the leading game fish 
of America. 

Accordingly, I began making notes of my observations 
of the habits of the Black Bass, and was collecting data 
for the intended treatise, when, fortunately and opportunely, 
Mr. Cliarles Hallock founded and established that excel- 
lent journal Forest and Stream, which came just when it 
was most needed. Here then was my opportunity to reach 
the anglers of the country, and I was not slow to embrace 
it, and at once began to champion the cause of the Black 
Bass. 

I prepared a series of articles on the Black Bass and 
Black Bass angling, and described at some length the 
proper rod, reel, line, hook, etc., and mode of using them, 
to render it not only feasible, but practicable, to convince 
the angler of the high order of game qualities inherent to 
the Black Bass ; and that by the use of suitable tackle it 



FISHING-RODS. 211 

would not suffer by a comparison with other game fishes. 
The seed of these articles was sown in good ground, and 
yielded abundantly. I received letters from hundreds of 
Black Bass anglers, in all parts of the country, thanking 
and complimenting me for the ideas suggested, and for 
espousing the cause of their favorite fish, the Black Bass. 
The result proved far beyond my most hopeful anticipa- 
tions, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that to-rday 
there is no game fish more eagerly sought for, and none 
that is being more rapidly introduced into new, inland 
waters by the advocates and admirers of this truly game 
fish. 

In February, 1875, I published an article, entitled, 
"The Coming Black Bass Rod," in Forest and Stream, 
which gave a description of my idea of a proper rod for 
Black Bass angling, founded on many years experience, 
and the use of many different rods for this purpose. Mr. 
C F. Orvis, of Manchester, Vermont, an expert angler, 
as well as a maker of fine fishing-rods, at once began tiie 
manufacture of a Black Bass rod from tliose suggestions, 
and they are to-day to be found in all parts of the country, 
he having been remarkably successful in introducing them, 
for they supplied a want long felt. 

Other manufacturers, seeing the necessity for a new de- 
parture from the old beaten path, soon began to make 
short and light Black Bass rods, more in accordance with 
the spirit of the age, and the demands of their customers, 
which they called the "Forest and Stream" Black Bass 
rod, thus honoring and doing justice to the admirable 
journal to whose columns are due the credit of completely 
reconstructing the Black Bass rod, and of rei)lacing the 
former long, heavy and clumsy affair, by the elegant, 



212 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

short, light and pliant rod of the present day. And not 
only has the length and weight of bait rods been reduced, 
but fly-rods of all patterns have been reduced at least a 
foot in length, during the past five years, to their great 
advantage. 

The Henshall Black Bass Minnow Rod. 

While a rod may vary somewhat, according to the mode 
of angling, there is no good reason for such a wide diver- 
sity of opinion as obtains on the question of Black Bass 
rods. For instance : Fishing from the bank af a swift 
and narrow stream, wading the bars of a wide river, or 
fishing from a boat on a quiet lake, seem in themselves 
apparently very different processes ; but in reality they 
are only slightly different means of securing the same end, 
viz: the capture' of the Bhick Bass with a minnow for 
))ait — for my remarks apply only to bait fishing — and a 
properly constructed rod would answer in either place 
and fulfill cither condition, when accompanied by a light, 
freely rendering reel, together with a fine trout line. An 
artistic angler, fishing for Trout or Black Bass with the 
fly, would use his fly-rod in either place ; from a boat, 
from the bank, or while wading the stream ; he Mould 
use the same rod under any and every circumstance, wher- 
ever he had room to make a cast. The Black Bass bait 
fisher will in time become as consistent as the fly fisher, 
but it will only be when he adopts the proper rod, which 
rod I will now endeavor to describe. 

I start out with the proposition that a first-class Amer- 
ican, single-handed Trout fly-rod is, per se, the very per- 
fection of rods and the chef docuvre o£ the rod-maker's art. 



FISHING-RODS. 213 

Such a rod is about eleven feet long, and is made of split 
bamboo, or a combination of ash and lancewood, and should 
weigh from seven to nine ounces. With such a rod, pro])- 
erly handled, either line, leader or hook may part, but the 
rod will remain intact. It combines all the essential qual- 
ities of a good rod, viz: balance, lightness, strength, elas- 
ticity, and pliancy. A Salmon rod is only a Trout rod 
enlarged, proportionately, in every particular, and made to 
be used with two hands instead of one. 

Now, if all fish were caught with the fly, there would 
be no need for other rods than the Trout and Salmon fly- 
rods; but as such, unfortunately, is not the case, we are 
compelled to adopt other rods in accordance Avith the mode 
of fishing, the character of the fish to be caught, and the 
kind of bait to be used. But whatever may be the nature 
of the rod that is to be made, let this general rule or prin- 
ciple be followed in its construction : Let the rod conform 
as nearly as possible to the typical rod, /. e., the Trout fly- 
rod, as is consistent with the manner of service required 
of it. If we follow this rule we can not go very far 
astray. 

Acting upon this principle, then, I have found in nriy 
experience that the essential qualities or attributes of a 
good Black Bass rod for bait fishing, are just the same as 
the typical rod for balance, weight, strength, and elasticity, 
with a happy medium of pliancy, between a Trout fly-rod 
and a Trout bait-rod, which can hardly be expressed in 
words. But this slight stitfening of the rod makes it cor- 
respondingly heavier, and in order to maintain the same 
relative weight, we must cut down the length of the rod 
by taking off" from two to three feet, thus reducing the 
rod to eight or nine feet in length, which is found by ex- 



214 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

perience to be far superior to longer rods for Black Bass 
fishing. 

As a long, withy, willowy rod is best for casting a fly, 
so is a short, stiffish rod best for casting a minnow. With 
a rod of this character, and a light-running, multiplying 
reel, it is an easy matter to cast from thirty to forty yards. 
The situation of the reel upon the butt must be a com- 
promise between the single and double-handed fly-rods; 
for though the rod is used almost entirely with one hand, 
yet there are emergencies when both hands must be used, 
for occasionally a six-pound Bass or a fifteen-pound Pick- 
erel, Pike-perch, or Catfish will be hooked; or an unusu- 
ally bold or fierce fighting Bass may get the advantage 
of one and take to the weeds or rocks. It is also essen- 
tial to have plenty of room for the hand below the reel 
in casting, as the thumb must control the running off 
of the line, and prevent the reel from overrunning, as in 
Striped-bass fishing. The rod must have light, standing 
guides, instead of rings as in the fly-rod. 

The rod from which my original description of the 
" Coming Black Bass Rod " was taken is eight feet and three 
inches long, and is in three joints; the first joint or butt is 
composed of white ash, and the second joint and tip of 
lancewood ; it weighs just eight ounces; it is finely bal- 
anced, and has a true bend from butt to tip; with it I 
have killed hundreds of Black Bass, weighing from two 
to four pounds, and occasionally heavier, and Pickerel 
from five to twelve pounds, with an occasional one scaling 
fifteen pounds. I have used it many seasons, and do not 
see where it can be improved ; it is as firm and elastic 
as when first made. I have oftentimes cast out my 
entire line of fifty yards, when casting with the wind. 



FISHING-RODS. 215 

I feel justly proud of the merits of this rod, for I made 
it myself. 

Messrs. Abbey & Imbrie, of 48 Maiden Lane, New 
York City, made me a rod from designs and specifica- 
tions furnished by myself, which comes as near the embodi- 
ment of my iileas of a Black Buss minnow rod as any I 
have seen. After a season of hard usage and thoroughly 
practical tests, I am ])repared to say that I do not see 
how it can well be improved. It is fully the equal of 
my own pet rod (which I made myself), and is of course 
more highly finished; indeed, in this latter respect it can 
not be excelled. 

The materials and mountings of this rod are of the 
highest quality. The butt is prime white ash, and the 
second piece and tip are of selected Cuba lancewood. The 
mountings arc German silver, solid and strong. The fer- 
rules are milled, capped and banded, and the guides solid, 
light, and of a very gracefid and new pattern, and are 
lashed on. The butt has a wound grip, or hand-piece, 
and the reel-bands and cap are very finely finished. The 
metal tip is of the four-ring pattern, light and strong. 

The joints are made solid and flush, without tenons or 
dowels, or mortising. This I have found to be the best 
way for fitting the joints, for the boring not only weakens 
the joint, but the tapering tenon, acting like a wedge, will 
cause the joint to separate by the continual springing of 
the rod. Mr. C. F. Orvis, one of the best and most honest 
tackle makers living, also constructs the joints of his rods 
in this way. 

The dimensions of the rod made by Abbey & Imbrie 
are as follows : — 

Total length, when put together, 8 feet 3 inches. 



216 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



x-ife* 



v^- 



o/i'- 



^. 



/ 




\.- /\ / 



The Henshall Black Bass Bod.-(Speciflcatious.) 
(Abbey & luibiie.) 




Standing Guides, to wrap. 



Hod Tips. 






Standing Guides, with bands. 



FISHING-RODS. 217 

Length of each piece, 34J inches, including ferrules. 

Butt: Extreme end of butt, |- inch in diameter. 
Small end of butt, ^ inch in diameter. 
Grip or hand-piece, ly'^r- inch in diameter. 
Reel-seat, 1 inch in diameter. 

Second piece: Large end, ^-^ inch in diameter. 
Small end, ^^ inch in diameter. 

Tip : Large end, ^ inch in diameter. 
Small end, -g^^ i^^h in diameter. 

Reel-seat, 4 inches long. 

From extreme })utt to reel-seat, 7 (from 6 to <^) inches. 

The weight of a rod made from these dimensions will 
be about nine ounces, depending u])on the material em- 
ployed in its construction. Its weight can be reduced to 
eight ounces by taking off a sixty-fourth of an inch from 
the several diameters, and can be increased to ten or 
eleven ounces by enlarging the diameters in the same 
ratio; but it must be remembered, that in altering the 
conditions of this rod, at all, in order to preserve its ad- 
mirable balance and fine action, it is imperative that the 
diameters be increased or diminished, uniformly, through- 
out the entire length of the rod, from the extreme butt to 
the tip. 

To attempt to secure lightness by reducing the caliber 

of the butt-piece alone, would result in spoiling the rod ; 

and as Messrs. Abbey & Imbrie truly say : " The angler 

who seeks lightness in a rod at the expense of any thing 

else is worse than an infidel." While this rod may be 

reduced to even six ounces, if its proper proportions are 

observed in the modeling, and still be a good rod for 

Rock Bass, Croppies and White Bass, it would be too 

light for Black Bass angling. 
19 



218 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

This rod has a true and gradual taper from the reel- 
seat to the tip, which gives it a back, which, while just 
stiff enough for casting a minnow, is sufficiently pliable 
and yielding to give a correct working to the rod under 
the play of a lively fish. And just here is where so many 
rods fail. Many rods are made too weak in tlie butt, or 
the upper two-thirds of it, usually by a rapid and concave 
taper to reduce the caliber of the rod at this point, in 
order to gain lightness. But this can only be done at 
the expense of weakening the rod, and spoiling its action. 

When a rod has too weak a back, or too slender a butt 
at this point, it causes the rod to be top-heavy, and pro- 
duces what is known as a '' double action" in the rod, or 
a "kick in the handle;" qualities which were sought for 
in some Salmon fly-rods in the old country, as it was sup- 
posed that a fly could be cast farther with rods of this 
character. But it was necessary that the angler should 
become thoroughlv educated in the handling of a rod with 
this peculiarity, to be enabled to use it with any degree 
of satisfaction. 

However much this principle may have been desired by 
British Salmon fishers, it becomes the very worst feature 
in a Black Bass minnow rod. With this defect in a bait 
rod, it is impossible to cast with any accuracy, or to any 
great distance. And, moreover, it produces in the angler 
a lack of confidence in his rod, for it " feels weak" to him 
at the very point where it should feel the strongest, and 
really the rod would give way at just this very point under 
a heavy strain. 

But, to refer to my rod again : I can easily cast a min- 
now from forty to fifty yards, and with great accuracy^ 
with this rod, the back being just stiff and yielding 



FISHING-RODS. 219 

enough for this purpose. The bend from the last third 
of the butt piece to the tip forms a true and perfect arch 
under the strain of a hard-pulling fish, which is the bend 
so desirable, and so hard to obtain in a fishing-rod. The 
strain falls equally upon the entire rod, so that it is im- 
possible for me to tell just where it would break under a 
sufficient strain. The weak part of an imperfect rod can 
always be felt by an expert angler, and he knows perfectly 
well, while playing a fish, just where the rod is weakest, 
and just where it would fail. 

In giving a description of this rod, I have given the 
description of what I call a perfect Black Bass minnow 
rod, and the reader can rely upon it as being correct in 
principle, and satisfactory in practice. And should he ever 
become possessed of such a treasure, he will, in the fullness 
of his heart, be prepared to hold up both hands for me. 

This same style of rod can be procured from any first- 
class maker, as Conroy, Bissett & Malleson, No. Qo Ful- 
ton Street, New York ; Charles F. Orvls, of Manchester, 
Vermont; or S. W. Goodridge, of Grafton, Vermont, all 
of whom make excellent rods, from specifications furnished 
by myself. I have examined and tested rods made by all 
of them, and know whereof I speak. 

Mr. Orvis informs me that some of his customers 
ordered rods with the butt extending below the reel 
clamps a foot or more, so as to reach under the elbow, 
and thus form a point d'appui. This demand is founded 
upon laziness, carelessness, or "pure cussedness," which was 
first induced by using the old-style rods, which were so 
heavy and long as to require either this support, or, what 
was worse, the holding of tl\e rod with both hands. 

Now, the object of the modern Black Bass rod is to dis^ 



220 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

pense entirely with this ungraceful and clumsy style, and 
enable the rod to be used Avith the hand alone, as in fly 
fishing. I sincerely hope that my brother anglers will not 
thus handicap their skill, nor encourage this needless exten- 
sion of butt. It will be well to remember, in this connec- 
tion, that no excellence is gained but by great labor, and 
no skill attained but by careful practice. There may be 
born poets, but I doubt if there are born fishermen ; the 
love may be innate, but its confirmation requires patience, 
perseverance and elbow-grease. 

The novice will be sometimes told by theoretical anglers 
that he must procure a rod which accords with his size, 
strength, and general build ; that a rod which suits one 
angler, will be too long, too short, too heavy, or too light 
for another. Now, this is all gammon ; a rod must be 
made to suit the kind of fish, and the mode of fishing, 
without any reference whatever to the angler himself. 

In ordering a shot-gun that is to be used on all kinds 
of game, from the lordly buck to the dainty quail, it is of 
the highest importance that the gun should be built to fit 
the sportsman in every particular, and he then varies the 
charge according to the game. But there is no analogy 
between a shot-gun and a fishing-rod; the latter weighs 
but ounces, where the former weighs pounds, and the 
weight of a rod for Black Bass angling will suit a weakly 
youth, or the strongest man, as well. A half-pound in 
weight is of no moment as compared to the strength of a 
man ; and it is all stuff', and the sheerest nonsense, to talk 
of making a rod of this weight conform to the muscular 
requirements of any individual. A well-balanced rod feels 
the same to the weakest man or strongest, the tallest man 
or shortest; while a rod that lacks this quality wdll feel 



FISniXG-RODS. 221 

right to no one. I have no patience or sympathy with 
those visionary book-anglers, who talk or write such ridic- 
ulous nonsense, or spin such fine-drawn theories. 

A Home-made Black Bass Rod. 

As the Black Bass anglers of Ohio, Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, Northern Alabama, and the South-west generally 
are extremely partial to a natural cane or bamboo rod, I 
desire to tell them how to make a good one of this ma- 
terial at little cost, and which, though not a " thing of 
beauty," will prove itself a ''joy forever," in comparison 
with the cane-rod, as generally used. After using such a 
rod as I am about to describe for one season, the angler 
will be ready to advance another step, and adopt a good 
ash and lancewood rod, which contingency, I am free to 
admit, is the principal motive for this information. 

A natural bamboo-cane, as it is procured at the tackle 
stores, is from fifteen to twenty feet in length ; and it is 
the custom, in the localities named, to use from ten to 
twelve feet of the smaller or upper end of such a cane for 
a Black Bass rod, after attaching standing guides and a reel 
fastening. While such a rod is strong and light, with a 
moderate degree of pliancy and elasticity, it entirely lacks 
the great desideratum, balance, being decidedly top-heavy, 
and is too small at the butt to allow of a firm grasp of the 
hand, generally necessitating the use of both hands to hold 
it. Now, to obtain the greatest amount of good and pleas- 
ure from a rod of this character, proceed as follows: 

Select a genuine Calcutta bamboo-cane, which may be 
known by its dark, mottled markings, caused by its having 
been burnt about the leaf-fidges, or knots. Select one that 



222 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

is hard and elastic, with a good taper, and quite small at 
the tip; those known as "male" canes are the best, having 
larger bulges, or leaf-ridges, and being much tougher than 
the "female" canes. Having chosen a good one, cut off 
six and a half feet of the smaller end for the rod, the re- 
maining larger portion of the cane will make a good han- 
dle for a landing-net. 

Now make a wooden butt of white-ash or black-walnut, 
from eighteen to twenty inches long, of the following di- 
ameters: At the extreme butt end, seven-eighths of an 
inch ; now increase the diameter by a gradual taper to an 
inch and one-eighth at a distance of five inches from the 
extreme butt ; then decrease the taper to an inch at a dis- 
tance of seven inches from extreme butt. The next four 
inches forms the reel seat, and is one inch in diameter 
throughout its length ; now decrease the diameter by a 
ra]>id, concave taper for a distance of two inches, to three- 
fourths of an inch, and thence a gradual taper to the 
smaller end of the butt, which must exceed the diameter 
of the large end of the cane about one-sixteenth of an 
inch ; the diameter of the large end of the cane-joint — 
where cnt in two — will be from half an inch to five- 
eitirhths of an inch. 

Having proceeded according to the instrnctions just 
given, we have a cane-joint six feet and six inches long, 
and a wooden butt say twenty inches long, with the grip 
of one and one-eighth of an inch in diameter, and the reel 
seat of one inch diameter. Now procure a set of reel 
bands one inch inside diameter; a pair of ferrules for the 
joint-^the inside diameter of the smaller or male ferrule 
being of the same diameter as the large end of the cane 
piece, which can readily be ascertained with a i)air of 



FISHING-RODS. 223 

calipers ; five standing guides, graduated sizes, and a solid 
metal tip. These mountings should be brass or German 
silver. The guides should be attaehed at equal distances 
from the reel seat to the tip; and, having properly fitted 
the ferrules and reel bands, give the rod two coats of shel- 
lac or coach varnish. When dry, the rod is ready for use, 
and will be abont eight feet in length, and weighing not 
more than eight ounces — a single-handed rod equal to any 
rod made for casting, will be well-balanced and strong, 
but will lack the pliancy, elasticity and })erfect working 
of a good ash and lancewood rod, yet it will be such a 
great improvement on the cane-rod, as generally used, 
that it has only to be tried to be appreciated. 

A rod, similar to the above, originated, in Milwaukee, 
in 1874, in this way: At that time I was the only one, of 
a large number of anglers, who frequented the lakes in the 
vicinity of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, who used a short and 
light Black Bass minnow rod, and which was often the 
subject of many jokes on the part of my fellow-anglers. 
But, as it was not always "the longest pole that got the 
persimmons," some of them, at length, became convinced 
of the superiority of the short rod in casting and general 
convenience, though they were loath to alter their hand- 
some ten and tw^elve feet rods. 

I suggested to several to have short rods made of native 
cane, in the manner above described, and which I had 
formerly experimented with. I referred them to John C. 
Welles, of Milwaukee, as the proper person to make them. 
Accordingly, he got up several, and, for convenience, 
made them in three pieces — two cane-joints, of about 
three feet each, and a short wooden butt or handle. The 
result was, that the owners used them afterward in prefer- 



224 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

ence to all other rods, and a demand at once sprang up for 
the " Welles' rod," and they are still made and used to 
some extent. Other Western manufacturers afterward 
adoi)ted the idea, and offered them to anglers in lengths 
of from seven to ten feet. 

But while such a rod is cheap, light, and eminently 
serviceable, it has, to my mind, some very serious objec- 
tions. In the first place, it is very homely and unsym- 
metrieal in form ; the short, stubby butt tapering so sud- 
denly and abruptly to the cane-joint, gives the rod a very 
awkward and unfinished appearance, and entirely destroys 
the balance of the rod. Now, as remarked at the begin- 
ning of this article, " a thing of beauty is a joy forever," 
and one can appreciate this quality in a fishing-rod, as well 
as in a horse, a yacht, or a gun. In the next place, it is 
too stiff and unyielding, except at the extreme tip ; the 
hend not being equally distributed along the entire rod, as 
it should be : and this fault, from the nature of the rod, 
can not well be obviated. This I consider an insuperable 
objection, for it precludes that nice discrimination in feel- 
ing your fish when he is taking the bait, and that delicate 
manipulation of him after he is hooked. The owners of 
this rod, however, are very enthusiastic in its praise, and it 
is, at least, a step in the right direction for a more perfect 
Black Bass rod. 

The Cuviee Black Bass Rod. 

The most complete rod of this character which I have 
seen, is made by Mr. George B. EUard, of Cincinnati. It 
is made in two pieces of choice, short-jointed Japanese 
bamboo, with an adjustable handle, which can be detached 



FISHING-RODS. 225 

at pleasure. It is light, well balanced, honestly made, and 
can be handled all day without fatigue. The arrangement 
of the handle is a special feature; it can, with little 
trouble, be adjusted to any other rod. With it and a reel 
in his satchel, a dozen hooks, half a dozen guides, a solid 
metal tip, and a piece of wound silk thread in his pocket, 
an angler is never at a loss for the materials to enjoy a 
day's sport at any little fishing town, where he may by 
accident find himself, during the season, and where he can 
buy a bamboo or other cane for fifty cents. 

Mr. Ellard calls his rod the " Cuvier Bass Rod," after 
the well-known club of that name in Cincinnati. It has 
been thoroughly tested during the past season on Lake 
Eric, and in the smaller waters of Wisconsin, Minnesota, 
and Michigan, and has given universal satisfaction. Its 
moderate price is not the least of its merits. 

Section Bamboo Minnow Rod. 

While, in my opinion, ash and lance wood, or some such 
suitable woods are to be preferred for a Black Bass min- 
now rod — the desired action of such a rod being more 
easily obtained from these materials — there are some an- 
glers who prefer a rod of split bamboo to any other ma- 
terial, and for any kind of rod. And while it is possible 
to make as good a rod for action, and a superior one for 
strength and beauty from this material, the cost is neces- 
sarily very much greater — at least three times as great — 
for a perfect minnow rod of split bamboo. 

For those who desire the best, at whatever cost, I can 
recommend a rod of this material wdien made by a first- 



226 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

class workman. But, at the same time, I would caution 
the angler to take the most jealous and unceasing care of 
such a rod, for it is not so serviceable as a wooden rod 
when subject to the same conditions of usage. 

In order to give the reader an idea of the construction 
of a split bamboo rod, I can not do better than to repro- 
duce here the following extract from a letter, written to 
me on this subject by Mr. T. S. Morrell, an accomplished 
and finished angler, of Newark, New Jersey — relating to 
the construction of a split bamboo Black Bass minnow rod, 
as made by himself: — 

I have just finished a rod patterned after that described by you 
in " Hallock's Sportsman's Gazetteer" — a one-hand bait- rod for Bhick 
Bass. I will briefly describe my method of manufacture, as I learned 
it from Mr. E. A. Green : 

The rod is eight and a half feet long, in three joints, of six-strip 
bamboo. The ferrules, reel-bands, butt-cap, and guides, I had made 
to order, not being an expert in working metals. The bamboo I got 
from Mr. C. F. Murphy, and is as tough as bone. 

I first sawed the piece in two strips with a fine, sharp hand-saw; 
then I took a board with a perfectly straight slit sawed the length 
of a joint of the proposed rod. Laying the flat part of one of the 
strips (I had just sawn asunder) on this board over the slit, I carefully 
placed it so as to get the requisite taper, and then tacked it at the 
edge? firmly to the board. 

Then, with rule and pencil I drew on the bamboo a straight line, 
being careful to taper it right, and sawed it out — six pieces exactly 
alike in size and taper — for a joint. The manner of getting the size 
correctly, is to take the male ferrule for the thick end of the joint, 
and the female ferrule for the small end ; stand each on end on a 
'piece of paper, and mark a circle outside; then, Avith a pair of small 
compasses measure the circle into six parts, and draw a line from 
point to point across the circle, so that all the lines meet in the 
center. This will show the size and taper of each piece, and the ex- 
act shape. 



FISHIXG-RODS. 227 

The board on which I sawed out my strips has grooves' cut, so that 
I easily plane the inside of the strips for each joint; any inequality 
I finish off with a file. I now place my six strips together, winding 
twine around tightly, but some distance apart, so that I can get my 
thuml) and finger between, so that I can see the joints, and how they 
come together. If they appear loose, and I can not get them to- 
gether with thumb and finger, I mark the spots with a pencil, and 
unwinding, file away until they come well together. 

For the butt, I draw a plan on paper, that is, enough of it to rep- 
resent the hand-hold, measure with comijasses the distance across 
each strip, or cut a pattern of paper, lay it on the bamboo and mark 
it out. For the tip and middle joint, when I glue the strips to- 
gether, I wind hard and tight and closely with twine; now I 
straighten them carefully (as the hot glue has made them pliant), 
and lay away for twenty-four hours on a shelf. I never stand them 
on end, as they are likely to warp out of shape. 

For the butt, I have iron rings of many sizes ; when the strips are 
glued together, I force on these rings, driving on hard, and close to- 
gether. This brings the glued strips so tightly together that the 
joints can not be seen. Twenty-four hours after gluing, I take off 
the rings and wrappings of twine, and finish off with a file and 
sand-paper; then fit on the ferrules, which I fasten on Avith cement. 

Before putting on the guides and metal tip, I joint the rod to- 
gether, and turn it in the ferrules until I get it perfectly straight ; 
then mark the places for the guides and tip, so that they are all in 
a straight line, so that the fishing-line may have as little friction as 
possible. I now cement on the metal tip, and lash on the guides 
with a string, simply to hold them in place for the silk lashings. 

The rod is now ready for the silk lashings, for which I use fine red 
spool-silk. I wind the guides first; winding on smoothly and closely. 
AVlien one side of the guide is wound, I cut off the silk, leaving half 
a yard, which I thread in a needle, and, pushing the latter under 
the lashings, draw it through tightly and cut off close. Then finish 
the other side of the guide in the same way. 

I now, with a pencil, mark the places for the lashings the whole 
length of the joint, tiji, or butt, on which I am working. I draw off 
from the spool about four feet of silk, cut it off and thread the 
needle; this is enough for several lashings of the tip. I make not 



228 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



more than a half-dozen turns on the end of the tip, and place the 
lashings about a half-inch apart, increasing the number of turns and 
the distance apart, so that at the butt of the rod the lashings are an 
eighth of an inch wide and one inch apart. 

When the lashings, guides, I'eel-bands, butt-cap, etc., are all on, I 
give the rod its first coat of varnish, putting it on very thin and 
evenly ; it is quite an art to varnish well. I give the rod at least 
four coats, each as thin as I can spread it, and each well dried before 
the next is put on. I do not use shellac, but varnish of the best 
gum. 

I have, at some length, thus described my method of making a 
split bamboo rod, as taught me by Mr. Green. There are several 
other ways of doing it, and it must be understood that this is amateur 
work. A circular saw is a great help, and indispensable to those 
who make rods to sell. 






Details of Split Bamboo Hod. 

(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 

Cut No. 1 shows a transverse section of the cane, and the dotted lines where 
a piece is .split out. It is then planed down to the white line, leaving only the 
hard enamel. 

No. 2 shows the strips ready for cementing. 



LSSMlffllMti 



Split Bamboo Fly-Rod. 
(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



fishing-rods. 229 

The Black Bass Fly-Rod. 

A few pages back, I made the statement that the Amer- 
ican Trout fly-rod was the very perfection of fishing-rods, 
and that all other rods sliould conform as nearly as possi- 
ble to said model or typical rod, commensurate with the 
manner of service required of them. Upon this princijde, 
an honest and well-made Trout fly-rod, about eleven feet 
in length, and weighing from eight to nine ounces, answers 
admirably for Black Bass fly-fishing ; and, fortunatelv, a 
suitable rod of this character can be procured from any 
first-class maker ; but I would caution the new hand against 
the many cheap rods now in the market. A good rod can 
only be obtained at a fair price. 

At the same time, I would here enter my protest against 
the lightesf, and " withiest," Trout fly-rods, weighing from 
six to seven ounces, being used or recommended for Black 
Bass fishing. Such rods are but toys at the best, and only 
admissible for fingerlings, or Trout weighing from a half- 
pound downwards. I know that some anglers make a 
boast of using such rods, but it is on a par Mith some 
gunners who rush to the extreme in light shot-guns, and 
claim that a sixteen or twenty-bore is capable of as good 
general execution as the larger gauges. Now these are 
botli palpable fallacies, as great as that of " sending a boy 
to mill " in the " History of the Four Kings," as many 
have found to their cost. 

I am a great stickler for extreme lightness in rods when 
compatible with strength and action, but there is a certain 
limit in weight that must be observed, so as to conform to 
and preserve other and equally essential qualities in a good 
working rod. Now, while I will guaranty, in open water, 



230 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



FISIlING-r.ODS. 231 

to land any Black Bass that swims with a well-made six 
ounce split bamboo fly-rod, I will not undertake to say 
how much time would be consumed in the operation; nor 
do I envy the general demoralization and used-up condi- 
tion of the flexors and extensors of my arms that would 
ensue at the close of the contest. With a rod of suitable 
weight, the largest Bass can be safely and pleasantly han- 
dled, and it is worse than useless to make a toil of a pleas- 
ure by using inadequate means. 

I have an H. L. Leonard split bamboo fly-rod, weigh- 
ing eight ounces, which I find " fills the bill " exactly in 
all ordinary Black Bass fly-fishing; but, two years since, 
in Florida, I used a twelve feet, twelve ounce ash and 
lancewood fly-rod, made by Abbey & Imbrie, or at least 
by their predecessors, Andrew Clerk & Co., ten years ago, 
which I found none too heavy for the large Bass of the 
waters of that State, and, in fact, there were times when 
I wished for an additional ounce or two in weight. 

A Trout fly-rod, then, weighing eight or nine ounces, 
and not more than eleven feet long, is just about right for 
ordinary B hick Bass fly-fishing; but where the Bass run 
large, averaging nearly or quite three pounds, a somewhat 
heavier rod, say ten ounces, will be found a more suitable 
and pleasanter rod to handle, though the eight ounce rod 
will do even here, for one who is an expert fly-fisher, and 
who does not mind a little extra straining of the brachial 
muscles. 

But while an ounce, more or less, hardly seems an ap- 
preciable quantity in the abstract, yet when added to or 
taken from a fly-rod, like the fraction of an inch as applied 
to a man's nose, it makes a very great difference in prac- 
tice and reality ; and in the former case, it is better to have 



232 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 







Plpl 




Hill 


lliiiil 


liil 


'11 

li 
11 


I 






iiiiiii 


lilUillilf 


III 


Pik!,;:,,,,,l 


i 





n iifi, 

& 

Qj lijij 



Ml 



kM 



Til 



Beel Plate, Ferrules, and Butt-Cap, 

(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 




.■Rings, Guides, and Tip. 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 



FISHING-RODS. 233 

an ounce too much, than a half ounce too little; for, 
like the Winchester repeating rifle when tackling a grizzly, 
it gives one a confidence in his resources which adds ma- 
terially to the zest of his sport. 

In the construction of a Black Bass fly-rod various ma- 
terials are employed ; the best and handsomest is, of course, 
section bamboo, but as I have before remarked, it is im- 
perative to take the greatest care of such rods to preserve 
their usefulness. By rough usage or careless handling, 
the lashings are apt to become loosened, the varnish worn 
oif, and the strips to become eventually separated; in which 
event the rod is worthless, for it soon goes to pieces. 
With proper care, however, and a due attention to the 
lashings, and a frequent varnishing of the rod, it will last 
a prudent angler his life-time. It is a tool, believe me, 
only to be used by an artiste. 

But for every day fishing, on all sorts of waters, and 
under all circumstances, in the hands of a careful angler 
or a rough-and-tumble fisher, a good wooden rod is the 
best for service and wear, day in and day out ; and, if 
made of good stuif, its action is not excelled, even by the 
graceful section bamboo. 

My choice of materials for such a rod is ash and lance- 
wood, which can not, I think, be excelled for a prime rod. 
But others may think differently, and prefer greenheart, 
mahoe, or bethabara, all of which woods are said to pro- 
duce most satisfactory rods ; and far be it from me to dis- 
sent from, or acquiesce in, their opinions, without a prac- 
tical knowledge of the working of such rods, for, as I 
have before remarked, I have had no personal experience 
with these woods. 

The fly-rod has the reel-seat at the extreme end of the 

20 



234 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

butt, and the hand piece, or grip, of course, above it; for 
the click-reel, which is used for fly-fishing, is a reel that is 
intended to "take care of itself" in the rendering of the 
line, and, therefore, is very properly placed where it is out 
of t!ie Avay, and where it adds very mudi to the balance 
and general working of the rod. 

The reel-seat in fly-rods is often made entirely of metal 
and called a " reel-plate," and which, while much admired 
by many, only adds to the weight of the rod, without be- 
ing of material service. For myself, I prefer a plain reel- 
seat, simply a depression, or groove, cut in the butt of the 
rod, with reel-bands, as in the minnow rod. This answers 
every purpose, and to my mind there is nothing that can 
improve the beauty of a handsomely finished wooden butt; 
and on this account, I am also prejudiced against t!ie hand- 
piece, or grip, being wound with cord, or ratan. The 
self-wood, of which the butt is composed, seems to me to 
be the best and most appropriate finish for the grip, both 
as regards utility and beauty ; for the cord, or ratan, with 
which the grip is usually wound, in fine rods, is extremely 
liable to become loosened and worn ofl". 

The wound hand-piece and the metal reel-plate look 
very attractive, but are not proof against wear and tear ; 
and for my own use, and in accordance with my idea of 
the fitness of things, I think the less a rod is encumbered 
with fanciful and ornamental appendages, the better. We 
should ever bear in mind the original primitive cane fish- 
ing-pole, upon which niodel all rods are founded, more or 
less, and remember that simplicity and utility usually go 
hand in hand. 

A very good friend of mine, with whom I have spent 
many pleasant angling days, once owned a very handsome 



FISHING-KODS. 235 

minnow rod, gotten up to his order in Boston, which was 
to eclipse all other rods for style and stunning appearance. 
Each piece, from butt to tip, was spirally wound with 
ratan strij)s and silk, while the ferrules, reel-bands, reel- 
plate, and guides were marvels of brightness and finish ; 
but in its action, the rod, of course, was a complete failure. 

My friend always carried with him an extra rod, to be 
used "in case of an accident" to his nobby rod. This 
extra rod was a short and common, jointed, natural cane 
rod, made after the plan of the " Home-made rod," described 
on a pr'^A'ious page. And I noticed that the emergency 
for using the common rod, always arose very soon after 
making a few casts, with a great display and flourish with 
the fine rod, or so soon as we were out of sight of other 
anglers; for, as my friend often remarked, the flashy rod 
was all very well for "dress-parade," but for real work it 
" wasn't there;" and the homely, but serviceable cane-rod, 
or, as he termed it, "old business/' was invariably substi- 
tuted. 

While asking the reader's pardon for this digression, 
which, however, was made more to point a moral than to 
adorn a tale, I will simply add that a fishing-rod should 
be made for " business," and not for display. 

A Black Bass fly-rod should be made in three pieces; 
the butt, we will say, of ash, and the second piece and tip 
of lancewood, or if the reader please, of grcenheart, mahoe, 
or bethabara. The ferrules, reel-bands and butt-cap are 
of the same pattern as those used in the minnow-rod, and 
should be either solid brass, or German silver, without 
plating of any kind ; let us have the real thing at all 
events, for I despise affectation, or deception, in any matter 
or thing whatever. Brass is a good, honest, and bright 



236 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

metal ; will not rust or tarnish, and if it is used at all, let 
us use it on its merits; and for decency's sake, avoid the 
common practice of j)lating it with nickel, or, Avhat is 
worse, silver — for the plating soon wears off and exposes 
the cheat. 

Rings, instead of standing guides, are used, as they are 
lighter, and on the fly-rod answer just as well; they are 
lasiied on with spool-silk by means of small metal strips, 
known as "^ keepers." The rings should graduate in size 
from the butt to the tip, and should be of the same metal 
as the ferrules. The metal tip of the fly-rod is a single 
ring, which is preferable to a solid tip, or the three-ring 
style, on account of its extreme lightness, for it will be 
remembered that the tip, or top, of a fly-rod is of very 
small caliber. 



CHAPTER X. 

FISHING-EEELS. 

And to that end, some use a wheel about the middle of the rod, or near 
their hand ; whk-h is to be observed better by seeing one of tliem, than by a 
large demonstration of words."— Izaak Walton. 

A FISHING-REEL IS made in accordance Avith the special 
service required of it, the objects of said service being 
twofold. The first and most important is the proper 
delivery of the bait in a manner and at a distance com- 
mensurate with the mode of fishing ; and the second is to 
play and land the fish after he is hooked, or to reel the 
line for another cast. The reel which practically fulfills 
these conditions with the greatest ease and facility — in the 
method of fishing practiced — is the best reel to use. 

The two modes of angling in which the reel is em- 
ployed are bait-fishing and fly-fishing, and as the two 
methods differ so essentially, they require reels of widely 
different functions. Thus in bait-fishing the multiplying 
reel is used, while in fly-fishing the click-reel is indis- 
pensable. 

The multiplying reel must be very rapid in its action so 
as to deliver the bait as far as possible at a single cast, the 
thumb, meanwhile, controlling the rapid rendering of the 
line, so as to prevent back-lashing of the spool ; but in 
fly-fishing the line is lengthened gradually, a few feet 

( 237 ) 



238 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

beiug taken from the reel by the hand before each subse- 
quent oast, while the click offers the necessary resistance 
to the rendering of the line to permit this to be done 
without overrunning. 

As the multiplying reel is made wide, so as to allow for 
the thumbing of the spool, and as this necessity is not 
required in the click-reel, the latter is made quite narrow, 
thus permitting the line to be reeled without bunching, 
and, at the same time, allow of its being reeled rapidly 
enough for all practi(;al purposes, without a multiplying 
action; for the main object of a multiplying-reel, is for 
rapidity of action in casting, and not in retrieving the line, 
as is often erroneously supi)osed. 

After a fish is hooked, a click-reel answers the purpose 
of playing, and landing it, as well as the best triple or 
quadruple multiplier made — if not better; for often a fish 
is reeled in by main strength with a rapid multiplier, and 
an attempt made to land it before it has been killed on 
the rod, thus curtailing the real sport of angling, and at a 
great risk to the angler's tackle. I speak of this now, for 
I have heard anglers praising a rapid-working quadruple 
multiplying-reel, because they could reel in a fish " so 
fast," basing all of its merits upon this one quality; the 
desire to get possession of the fish seeming to be paramount 
to the real sport of hooking and playing it. 

The Click-Reel. 

The click-reel is a single-action reel, and, consequently, 
is the simplest fi)rm of reel, from the fact that the service 
required of it is simply a slow and gradual lengthening of 
the line with each subsequent cast ; the delivery of the fly 



FISHING-REELS. 239 

being accomplished by pulling oif from the reel a few 
aduitional feet of the line after each cast, until the desired 
or maximum distance is reached, while the click offers just 
enouo'h resistance to the renderino- of the line to allow this 
to be done without confusion or overrunning. The han- 
dle, or crank, is connected directly with the axle, or shaft, 
and, consequently, "reeling in" the line would be slow 
work were it not obviated by the reel being made very 
narrow, so that the coil of line upon the shaft enlarges 
rapidly, and the reeling is thus accomplished with greater 
facility. 

The click-reel is placed at the extreme butt of the fly- 
rod, below the hand-grip, where it adds much to the 
balance and general working of the rod. As the click 
regulates the rendering of the line, and as the narrowness 
of the reel obviates the necessity for guiding the line in 
reeling, it is placed out of the way, at the extreme butt, 
and " where it will do the most good." A reel should 
always be placed underneath the rod, and not on top, as 
is often done. 

Click-reels are all constructed upon the same general 
principle, but are of various patterns and composed of 
various materials, being made of hard rubber, celluloid, 
brass, bronze, and German silver; their weight depends on 
the material used, and the angler has a large assortment 
of styles and prices to select from. Any good Trout click- 
reel is suitable for Black- Bass fly-fishing, and can be 
furnished by any of the first-class dealers. 

In the choice of a click-reel, the angler should select 
the lightest, when it is compatible with strength, and one 
in which there is the least probability of fouling the line 
on any prominent points, as projecting screws and caps, 



240 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




The "Abbey" Click-Reel.— No. 4. 
(Abbey & Imbrie.) 




German Silver Click-Reel. 
(Conroy, Bissett & Malleton.) 



FISHING-REELS. 241 

iinprotGcted handles, etc. Metal reels are the strongest, 
and not so liable to injury as rubber or celluloid, in case 
of accidentally dropping, or striking them against rocks, 
etc.; though the latter are much lighter, and with ordinary 
care are just as serviceable. 

There has been a very marked improvement in click- 
reels during the past few years, the manufacturers seeming 
to vie with each other to produce the lightest, neatest, 
comeliest, and most serviceable reel. 

Abbey & Imbrie make a superb reel, the "Abbey," 
composed of hard rubber, with German silver spool, rim 
and fittings; it is extremely light and has a protected 
handle to prevent fouling of the line in casting, and is 
first-class in every respect. Nos. 3 and 4, the latter being 
the smaller, are the proper sizes. The " Imbrie " reel, 
also made by this firm, although a multiplier — and a 
most excellent one, by the way — has an adjustable click 
W'hich allow^s of its being nsed also for fly-fishing. And 
the angler who is the fortunate possessor of one of these 
reels, Nos. 4 or 5, can nse it in Black Bass fishing for 
either his minnows-rod or fly-rod. 

Mr. C. F. Orvis, of Manchester, Vermont, has patented, 
and manufactures, a simple, durable, and inexpensive 
click-reel. It is very narrow, consequently takes up line 
quite rapidly, while the frame and disks of the spool are 
freely perforated, which renders it quite light, and assists 
very much in drying the line, and in keeping it free from 
sand and grit. Its low price, brings a good reel within 
the reach of the most impecunious angler. 

Wm. Mills & Son's (7 Warren Street, New York) reels 

are unexcelled, either brass, German silver or rubber; they 

are fitted with protecting* bands to prevent the line from 
21 



242 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




German Silver Click-Reel.— 40 yards. 
(Win. Mills & Son.) 




Pat. June 12, 1877. 

The Leonard Click-Reel. 
(Wm. Mills & Son.) 




The Orvis Click-Reel. 
(Charles F. Orvis.) 



FISHING-REELS. 243 

catching on the handle. Their thirty or forty yards reels 
are the correct sizes for Black Bass fly-fishing. 

The " Leonard reel," sold by this firm, is probably the 
lightest metal click-reel manufactured, and holds a great 
deal of line for its size, being of good width. It also has 
a flush handle to prevent fouling of the line ; two and a 
half inch diameter is the preferred size for Black Bass 
angling. 

Conroy, Bissett & Malleson, of New York, A. B. Ship- 
ley & Son, of Philadelphia, and Bradford & Anthony, of 
Boston, also furnish the best reels and other tackle for 
fly-fishing. I think it but simple justice that all of these 
houses, who are by an honorable competition doing so much 
for the angler in the way of producing the most elegant 
and suitable tackle, should be brought to the notice of the 
angling fraternity. 

On this point a veteran angler, the editor of the Rich- 
mond (Va.) Whig, becoming " impressed with the vast 
amount of industry, skill, talent, enterprise and genius, 
and philanthropy (emphatically) devoted to this task of 
supplying the needs and luxuries, and augmenting the 
pleasures of the sporting community," further says: 
"We say philanthropy, with emphasis — for those who thus 
toil for the enjoyment and happiness of their fellow-beings 
can not be enemies of their kind. But admit that self 
enters as an element of the motive, in an enlarged sense, 
it may be truly affirmed that self, if not a virtue in itself, 
is next kin to it, and is the basis and prompter of all the 
virtues." 

Multiplying Heels. 

The multiplying reel is a decided improvement on the 



244 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

okl single-action English reel or winch. It is made of 
metal or hard rubber, and of various styles or sizes, from 
a Striped Bass-reel to a Perch-reel. In shape and con- 
struction it differs necessarily from the click -reel, having a 
different office to j)erform, or rather the same object — the 
delivery of the bait — to perform in a difiPerent manner. 
Being intended for natural bait-fishing, it requires an easy- 
running and freely-rendering action in order to deliver the 
bait as far as possible at a single cast. As there is no 
click to control the running off of the line, the thumb 
must be used for this purpose, by effecting a gentle and 
uniform pressure upon the spool, and for this reason the 
multiplier is made much wider than the click-reel, or of 
the barrel or drum shape. 

In its construction, a small cog or spur wheel is placed 
at one extremity of the axis or shaft, into which a larger 
cog-wheel is fitted, and to the latter is attached the handle 
or crank. One revolution of the handle produces two or 
more revolutions of the central shaft. The reel most gen- 
erally known and used is the " New York Multiplier," 
which is manufactured for the trade in large quantities, 
with the retailer's name stamped on one end. It is called, 
by some, the " balance reel," from the fact, I presume, that 
it has a balanced handle, which, by some, is thought to add 
to the rapid working of the reel; but this fancied advan- 
tage exists in the imagination only — a simple crank handle 
is better. 

As with the click-reel, there has been great improve- 
ments made in the multiplying reel within a few years 
past. Most of the manufacturers have given special 
attention to reels of this character, more especially for 
Black Bass fishing, and the resalt has been most grati- 



FISHING-REELS. 245 

fying to tlie angling fraternity. It is now an easy matter 
to procure a first-class reel at a moderate price, consider- 
ing the admirable manner in which they are gotten up; 
for, by comparison with the click-reel, the former is about 
double in price, and this is necessarily so, on account of 
the great difference in construction of the two reels. 

Among the many excellent multiplying reels now manu- 
factured, the ''Frankfort Reel" still takes the lead, and 
is the reel jxir excellence for Black Bass angling. It is 
known among expert anglers, in various portious of the 
country, as the "Meek," "Meek & Milam," "Frankfort," 
and "Kentucky" reel. It is now made exclusively by 
B. C. Milam, of Frankfort, Kentucky; and, as it is not 
so universally known as its merits deserve, I will give a 
brief history of it : 

Some thirty years ago, there being a demand among the 
anglers of Kentucky and Ohio for a better reel than was 
furnished by the trade, Mr. Meek, a watchmaker, of 
Frankfort, Kentucky — to whom Mr. Milam was then an 
apprentice — determined to produce a reel which would 
meet the requirements and solicitations of his fishing 
friends; so, after considerable study and many experi- 
ments, the "Frankfort Reel" was produced, as perfect 
then as it is to-day. Mr. Milam was soon afterward taken 
into partnership by Mr. INIeek, and the firm of Meek & 
]\Iilam soon became famoiis throughout the West for their 
excellent reel. The demand continued to increase, until 
they found a ready sale for all they could manufacture. 

The reel is made by hand, from the finest materials, and 
as carefully and correctly in its fittings as the movement 
of a watch. The bearings and pivots are of the finest 
temper, and the entire real is as perfect in workmanship, 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




The Frankfort Eeel.— No. 3. 
(B. C. Milam, Fraukfort, Ky.) 




The "Imbrie" Black Bass Reel— No. 3. 
(Abbey & Imbrie.) 



FISHING-REELS. 247 

and as finely adjusted, as is possible for skill to render it. 
Contrary to a current opinion, this reel is not more com- 
})lieated tlian the ordinary multiplying reel, and contains 
but the same number of ^vheels, viz: two; but, by a pe- 
culiar construction of the two wheels, it multiplies four 
times, while the ordinary reel multiplies but twice. It 
runs so perfectly and smoothly that a smart stroke of the 
finger upon the handle will cause it to make about fifty 
revolutions, and this without a balance handle. 

It is made with or without an alarm or click, and a drag 
or rubber; and, where one or both of these adjuncts are 
used, it does not at all complicate the working of the reel, 
as they are operated by small sliding disks on the side of 
the reel, and are not in the Avay in the least. The reel is, 
in fact, so simple and perfect in its details, that it has not 
been improved upon since it was first invented. They are 
made of German silver or brass, in six sizes. No. 6 being 
the largest. The best sizes for Black Bass fishing are 
Nos. 2 and 3. 

The cost of this reel is necessarily high — in comparison 
with ordinary reels — from its mode of construction and 
materials employed, but it will last a life-time with ordi- 
nary care. There are reels that have been in use for thirty 
years — among the first ones made — which are as good as 
new to-day. I can not express my admiration for this 
reel more strongly, or truly, than by affirming that its 
invention has been as great a boon to the angler as the 
split bamboo rod; in fact, they are "boon" companions. 

It is as great an improvement on all other multiplying 
reels, as they are on the old single-action English winch. 
With it, an angler can cast a minnow from thirty to forty 
yards with the greatest ease, though it is necessary that he 



248 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




The " Conroy " Multiplying Beel.— No. SJ4. 

(Conroy, Bis-sctl & Mallc^^on.) 




The " Conrov " B^ack Bass Reel.— No. 3)4 

Coml'ined IMulliplyiiiL; ami Click-Reel. 

(Conroy, BisseLt & Malleson.) 



FISHING-REELS. 249 

should be quite dextrous in the art of using a multiplier, 
and au fait in the matter of controlling the rendering of 
the line with the thumb, otherwise the extreme rapidity 
of this reel's action will get him into trouble by its over- 
running or back-lashing, and the consequent tangling of 
the line upon the spool. 

But, in justice to the reel, I will say to those who can 
not cast without tangling or snarling the line, or who can 
not reel the line evenly upon the spool, that they must 
look for the fault in themselves, and not in the reel. Me 
judice, I consider it the best reel in the world. The 
"alarm" is intended lor an alarm only, and should not be 
used as a click to retard the rapidity of the reel's action, 
for this it can do to a very limited extent only, and that to 
the ev^entual detriment of the reel. 

As these reels are mostly made to order, I would advise 
the angler who designs procuring one to order it made 
with the spring of the alarm stiif enough to act as a 
"click," in which case the reel will answer for either bait 
or fly-fishing ; and, in my opinion, they should all be made 
so, considering their high price. The "alarm" originated 
in the days of heavy rods and lazy anglers, when, by stick- 
ing the butt of the rod in the bank (there often being a 
spike in it for this purpose), the angler could lie under the 
shade of a tree until the sino-insi: of the alarm gave notice of 
the biting of a Bass. It has outlived its usefulness, and 
should either be dispensed with entirely, or changed to a 
click. I would further advise the placing of the handle 
of the reel next to the reel-plate, instead of opi)osite to 
it (as Mr. Milam usually affixes it), for ol)vious reasons. 

Abbey & Imbrie make a remarkably fine reel especially 
for Black Bass angling, and which they style the " Imbrie" 



250 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

reel. It is constructed with a hard rubber frame, Grerman- 
silver spool and fittings, steel pivot and cap, center action, 
and with an adjustable click. It is very light and of a 
graceful and practicable shape, and multiplies three times. 
By using the click it answers well for fly-fishing. 

It is a very easy-running and rapid-working reel, being 
second, only, in this respect to the famous Frankfort reel, 
though unlike the latter, is not so likely to overrun, and, 
on this account, is to be preferred by many anglers, who 
find it difficult to control, with the thumb, the very free 
action of that reel. Besides it is furnished at about half 
the price of the Frankfort reel, and is, withal, lighter. 
Nos. 3 and 4 are the best sizes for the Black Bass angler. 

No Reel. 

Those who, from any cause, can not manage a multiply- 
ing reel, might adopt the " Nottingham " style of angling, 
which is much in vogue in England, in which the reel is 
dispensed with. The line is made fast to the butt of the 
rod, and carried through the guides or rings. When ready 
for a cast, the line is pulled back through the guides, and 
laid in coils at the feet of the angler, leaving twelve or 
fifteen feet of line hanging from the tip of the rod. Our 
angler then grasps the line a few feet from the sinker and 
bait, gives it a few rapid whirls around his head, and casts 
it as far as he can, the rod in tlie meantime being held 
firmly in the left hand, and pointing toward the water. 
Long casts can be made in this manner, and the line re- 
trieved more rapidly than by the aid of any reel, but to 
the expert reel angler the game would not be worth the 
candle. 



fishing-reels. 251 

Position of the Reel on the Rod. 

In order to allow the thumb to be used in controlling 
the cast, a multiplying reel should never be placed less 
than six inches from the extreme butt of the rod, and 
should be so placed as to be underneath when reeling up 
the line. I am aware that some prefer it on top, but the 
former mode is preferable for the following reasons : The 
weight of the reel naturally takes it under the rod, enabling 
the rod to be held steadier when reeling the line, or play- 
ing the fish ; the strain of the line falls upon the guides, 
causing a uniform working of the rod; the line is more 
easily reeled up, and it was intended to be used in this 
manner. 

The left hand should grasp the rod immediately over the 
reel, the thumb and forefinger embracing the rod above 
the reel and as close to it as possible, the ring and little 
fingers clasping the under surface of the reel, while the 
middle finger is left free to guide the line on the spool, and 
prevent bunching. I have noticed that all anglers who 
prefer to have the butt of the rod extending a foot or more 
below the reel, always use the reel on top, and when reel- 
ing in a fish, they invariably rest the butt against the 
stomach. 



CHAPTER XI. 

FISHING-LINES. 



'' I will lose no time, but give you a little direction how to make and order 
your lines, and to color the hair of which you make your lines, for that is 
very needful to be known of an angler."— Izaak Walton. 



No doubt but many of ray readers have often wondered, 
as I have dune, where all the fine fishing-lines were made. 
Inquiries of the dealers failed to elicit any definite in- 
formation, only such answers being obtained, as " We make 
them ourselves," or, " They are manufactured expressly for 
us," or, "They are imported for our trade." 

There has ever seemed to be some mystery connected 
Avith it, though why, I can not imagine. The real manu- 
facturers are certainly not generally known outside of 
the trade, and their goods are seldom marked with their 
own names. I do not remember ever to have seen an ad- 
vertisement of a fish-line manufacturer. Perhaps it is not 
necessary, as the angler is supplied through the dealer, and 
the wholesale dealers are comparatively few. 

Thinking that an account of one of the best manufac- 
tories of fishing-lines in this country, if not in the world, 
would not prove uninteresting, I reproduce the following 
description of the factory of Henry Hall & Sons, at High- 
land Mills, Orange County, New York, from the New 
York Times of June 6, 1880:— 
(252) 



FISHING-LINES. 253 



How Fish-Lines are Made. 

American fish-lines are the best in tlie world, because we use the 
most perfect machinery and materials in their manufacture. There 
are in this country five or six large establishments devoted exclu- 
sively to this production. They represent a capital of about $250,000, 
and produce about $100,000 worth of lines per year. The fish-line 
is an object of contempt to a certain class of closet philosophers, but 
its production at least employs money and brains with the same 
earnestness that marks our manufacture of more weighty objects. 
The largest fish-line factory in the world is the Highland Mills, 
Orange County, in this State, and if our anglers were only capable of 
boasting a little they might brag of our beating the world in the quality 
as well as in the quantity of our lines. In visiting this establishment 
I learned many interesting facts about the materials and the processes 
of making fish-lines. We all feel a certain awe and curiosity about 
the slender, tapered line that Hies through the air so gracefully, yet 
has the amazing strength to hold a Salmon, a Trout, or a Bass in his 
most frantic efforts to escape. And the feeling is well justified, for 
not only is a fine line a proper object for respect and interest, but 
many of the processes of its creation are secrets veiled from the eye 
of even the elect. Lines are made of three substances, either cotton, 
linen, or silk, and they are either twisted or braided. The twisted 
lines may be made by hand, but braided lines are always made by 
machines devised especially for the purpose. For fine lines, only the 
finest, strongest, and longest fibers can be used. The selection of the 
material is, therefore, made with great care. It is spun to order in 
sizes to suit different kinds of lines. The bleaching of the yarn has 
to be very carefully done to prevent any loss of strength by chemical 
action on the fiber, and only vegetable dyes are used in coloring. 

In the storeroom are piles of flax in skeins, which has been spun 
to order in Ireland, France, Belgium, and Germany. A variety of 
flax is needed, because that of one country is most desirable for its 
durability and that of another for its strength, so that the union of 
several kinds of thread in a line gives it greater general excellence. 
The exact size must he maintained throughout the thread. And the 
exact amount of twist, varying from two to nine turns to the inch, 
must be given ; for if the threads be either too loosely or too tightly 



20 4 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

twisted the strength of the line i,; impaired. The cotton is spun ex- 
pressly from selected stock in this country, and tlie silk, also, is spun 
here. The best silk isTs:itlee machine twist; the genuineness of the 
stock can not be doubted, if judged by the foreign character of its 
tickets : 

"Hung yu Silk Hong. Yuekee chop. By selecting No. 1, Fine re-recled 
Tsatlee silk. When obliged to Merchants best owing tlieir regards, please to 
notice carefully of our sign, are witliout mistaken. This chop is myself reeled 
true Tsatlee Thowu Silks." 

More can not be asked. This silk is spun at silk factories and de- 
livered on bobbins. Tiie fineness of some of it may be judged by the 
fact that 3,200 yards of a thread weighs only one ounce, and yet the 
threads run sometimes 2,000 yards without a break. The grass lines, 
sold under the names of Japanese grass, sea grass, and catty grass, 
are all male of raw silk. The yarns of flax are wound on bob- 
bins, and tho.se of cotton are "beamed" or wound on a cylinder in 
such a way that they can be run ofi' it without tangling. 

The twisted lines are made in a "Avalk," a narrow shed about 400 
feet long. At the head of the walk are two machines, driven by steam. 
They consist of pulleys, with long ropes for belts running off to the foot 
of the shed ; also of a lot of spindles, turning very rapidly, and lines 
running overhead along the walk enable men at any point to move 
levers or stop and start the machinery at will. Two cars run on tracks 
down the walk ; they carry the beams or cylinders of thread or the bob- 
bins. The operator places the bobbins on pins on the cars, so that the 
threads may unwind; the car is brought up to the machine; he 
gathers up the threads in groups of three, and ties each group to a 
spindle in the machine. When all the 24 spindles are furnished 
with threads, he starts the machine, the spindles turn and twist each 
group of three threads into a strand ; at the same time the car moves 
slowly along to unwind the threads from the bobbins as fast as the 
twist takes them up. The operator walks behind or beside the car 
to watch the yarns, remove kuni)s, and impurities from them, or to 
break off defective portions of a thread. The car at intervals passes 
under a frame hanging over the track ; this frame is provided with 
wire hoops or fingers that descend automatically and hook under the 
strands after the car has passed, to sustain them, so that the weight 
of the long strings may not interfere with their twisting evenly in 



FISHING-LINES. 255 

all parts. By the time the car has reached the foot of the walk each 
of the 2i strands lias received tlie proper twist, so many turns to 
the inch. The strands are then gathered up in groups of three and 
tied to s^jindles on a tender or second car at the foot of the walk. 
This tender is operated by rope-belts from the machine at the head 
of the walk. When the strands are secured to the eight spindles of 
the tender the car starts back to the head of the walk, leaving the 
tender to twist the strands into cords. It follows them up, very 
slowly, to allow the cords to contract in length as they are twisted. 

If this twisting of the cord as a whole were all the twist given, the 
cord would only be a string, the strands would be simj)ly collected 
in a round form, and would liave but little power to resist an un- 
twisting tendency when wet or cut into pieces. But after a strand 
is formed, if some additional twist be given it, the fibers are bent and 
stretched until they acquire a strong reactionary force. They seek 
continually to straighten and contract themselves, and if the ends of 
the strand be kept from untwisting while it is given some slack, 
the strand will double up on itself, and then twist in the opposite di- 
rection from that of tlie first twist. In the cords thus formed the 
strands have lost as much of their twist as was required to form the 
cord ; hence, they have lost the most of their reactionary, spiral 
tendency. But if the sti'ands be given some additional twist to com- 
pensate for this loss, while the whole line is given its twist, the re- 
actionary force of each strand will make it intertwine closely with 
the others, and hold them together in a compact, permanent twist. 

A fish-line differs from a string in having just this additional twist 
of the strand.s. For this object, the machine at the head of the walk 
continues to twist the strands, while the tender twists the line. The 
line is given a little superfluous twist merely for the sake of forcing 
the strands to assume a smooth, compact service ; some of this super- 
fluous twist comes out when the line is wet, but the line can not be 
opened or untwisted without removing and untwisting each strand. 
It is readily seen that the amount of twist has a great effect on the 
strength of a line, for too little twist fails to bind the fibers together, 
and too much subjects them to uneven and destructive strain. 
Hence, machinery, by securing the utmost accuracy, makes the most 
perfect lines in this respect. And it also makes them rapidly and 
cheaply. If the threads were perfectly even and clean the lines 



256 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

would be perfect. But impurities and irregularities are unavoidable 
in even tlie best yarns, and the operator can not always see these nor 
take the time to remove all he perceives. Formerly, lines of 600 
feet were twisted all in one piece, but in so long a line the amount of 
twist was necessarily uneven in difierent parts. Hence, it is now 
considered a better method to make long lines by joining 300-feet 
lengths by what is known among sailors as the " long splice." 

Hand-made lines are still more perfect than those twisted by any 
machine. Tiie machine, of course, secures the utmost accuracy in 
the twist ; but the hand, througii the delicate sense of the touch, de- 
tects imperfections in the thread that are invisible to the operator 
of the macliine. The man who makes the Cuttyhunk and other 
hand-made lines carries nine bobbins of silk or linen on a frame 
hanging in front of him. Having fastened the threads in threes to 
spindles at the head of the walk, he walks slowly backward Avhile the 
threads pass between his fingers and are twisted into a strand. He 
feels every thread as it goes, and detects with surprising certainty 
every bunch, knot, or weak place ; he picks or bites off the bunches, 
or stops the spindles by pulling a cord at his side, and takes out any 
defective partof tlie thread, and joins tlie ends again by twisting, not 
by tying them. When the thre3 straiuls are .sufficiently twisted, he 
ties them together to a little swivel on a string drawing a drag-weight, 
to allow for the contraction of the line. He passes the three strands 
through grooves on opposite sides of a cone called the " top," and 
as he walks back to the head of the walk and moves the top along 
the strands, the grooves allow the continued twisting of the strands 
to pass by the " top " and unite them at its apex, while the swivel 
allows the line to be twisted up by the strands. Thus, although the 
twist of hand-made lines is not quite so uniform as that of machine- 
made lines, yet the former are the better in having more perfect 
threads. 

The braided line is the most perfect of all. No inferior threads are 
used in its manufacture, and the machines secure a very uniform 
tension of the strands. The cotton, linen, or silk threads are wound 
on bobbins that are mounted on a small table. The table is fur- 
nished Avith serpentine slots, through which the bobbins travel, and 
cross one another's course in such a way as to pass now outside, now 
inside, of one another, and thus weave or braid the strands in a reg- 



FISHING-LINES. ' 257 

ular manner. If a strand break, the bobbins all stop, and delicate 
weights, sustained by the strands as they are braided, give them a 
uniform tension. From eight to sixteen strands are put in a line, 
each strand being composed of three tlireads. As the line is formed 
it is reeled up, so that tlie braiding is not done in a long walk, but 
in a room filled with comp.act machines clicking like looms. One 
girl tends several lines, picking off with nippers any lint or bunch, 
and removing poor strands. It is real satisfaction to an angler to 
see such beautiful silks going into a line. It looks like braiding 
cobwebs; but these fine threads, evenly and compactly braided, 
make a fine line of amazing strength. The tai^ered lines are all 
braided, because if one part of a twisted line be smaller than the rest, 
that part yields to the twisting force and gets too much twist. The 
tapering is done by simply dropping out a strand at regular intervals; 
but the machine has to be readjusted each time to secure a regular 
braid. Fine braided lines hitlierto have often been weak, from de- 
fective manufacture ; but recent improvements in the Highland 
Mills in the methods of working up the fiber have produced a line 
of wonderful strength for its size. Thus, I found that although one 
of the threads of a line would lift but 14 ounces, yet the line of 8 
threads, braided to a diameter of 1-40 of an inch, would lift 9\ to 10 
pounds. The union of the threads in a twist or braid seems to aug- 
ment their strength about 30 per cent. This fine line, 100 yards 
long, weighs but 150 grains ; it requires 934 yards of prepared twist 
to make it, and as each thread or twist contains three strands, the 
lines contains 2,802 yards of strands. 

Tlie celebrated Cuttyhunk line is made of four different kinds of 
flax, Irish, French, Belgian, and German, spun to order for this pur- 
pose. Line No. 9, having 12 threads in a diameter of about 1-30 of 
an inch, lifts 25 pounds. They are all hand-made twisted lines, so 
are the various grass lines and the relaid grass lines. 

The finishing of lines is generally done by some secret process that 
each house wishes to UKmopolize. The fine lines are soaked in vari- 
ous compounds of oils and gums to fill them with a preservative 
water-proof substance. The well-known enamel finish gives the line a 
glossy surface that excludes the water and keeps the line of a uniform 
weight and stiffness in casting, and also makes it run very smoothly 
thi'ough the rings or guides of a rod. Of course, there are many 
22 



258 BOOK OF TPIE BLACK BASS. 

inferior lines made up by second-rate factories; but it is difficult to 
imagine that cotton, linen, or silk can be better put together than 
they are now by our first-class establishments. Perhaps some better 
fiber will be discovered. The inner bark of the alloa tree was made 
into lines many years ago; and they were found to be almost imper- 
ishable even under the most unreasonable neglect. But the material 
is too costly for general use. 

The Forest and Stream has this to say concerning this 
manufactory : 

This establishment, since its introduction of machinery, and its 
transfer to more commodious quarters at "Highland Mills," possi- 
bly turns out more goods than all others of a like business in the 
State combined, and of such superior excellence as to defy com- 
petition. 

The Henry Hall goods are made the standard by the trade. 
Every sort, kind and description of fish-line is made at this now 
-world-wide renowned factory, as the Hall goods swept the deck 
at the Centennial Show, and wherever they have come in compe- 
tition with foreign goods of decided reputation, the Henry Hall 
goods — cotton, linen and silk — have at all times asserted their dis- 
tinct superioi'ity. 

Reel Lines for Bait-fishing. 

.The perfect line for Black Bass bait-fishing is yet in the 
future. The best manufactured at present is the smallest 
size — letter G, or No. 5 — hard-braided raw silk line ; and 
if it were made, say, of just one-half the caliber, and as 
tightly and closely braided, and as firm and hard as the 
twisted, or laid Japanese grass line, it would be all that 
could de desired for a bait line. I have great hopes that 
a line of this description will soon be made, as I have in- 
vited the attention of Henry Hall & Sons to this subject. 
A bait line for casting a minnow should, in the first 



FISHING-LINES. 259 

place, be composed of the very best material, which, in 
this case, is raw silk. It should be of very small caliber, 
the smallest that can be made consistent with strength, and 
raw silk fulfills this condition better than any other mate- 
rial. It should be very hard, compact, and closely braided. 
These conditions secure a line that renders freely and easily, 
is quite elastic, and at the same time absorbs but little water, 
and will nut kink or snarl in casting. The line should, 
moreover, be tinted some suitable color, to render it as 
nearly invisible as possible, for it must be remembered that 
we can not use a gut leader in casting the minnow. 

The braided or plaited raw-silk line, as now made, ful- 
fills all of the above conditions, except in caliber, and the 
manufacjturers above referred to assured me that it could 
be made one-half less in size, were there a demand for 
such a line. There has been no inquiry for such a line, 
because it is known that there is none to be had ; but the 
Black Bass anglers, who fish the streams of the South and 
West, almost universally use the relaid Japanese grass- 
line (which is made of raw silk), nothwithstanding its 
kinking propensities, for in every other particular it is a 
good line. For lake-fishing, where the Bass are larger, the 
braided silk and linen lines are used almost exclusively. 

The best line, then, we will say, is the braided, or plaited 
raw-silk line — letter G, or No. 5 — for ordinary fishing; but 
where the Bass average fully three pounds, the next largest 
size — letter F, or No. 4 — may be used, though I would 
advise the smaller line even here to be employed in prefer- 
ence. Raw silk lines require the greatest care to preserve 
their usefulness. They should be carefully dried after 
use, as soon thereafter as possible, for without this caution 
they soon become weak and rotten. And, moreover, a 



260 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

SIZES OF LINES. 



12 3 4 

Taper "Waterproof Braided Silk Lines. 

fiS'The smaller illustration of each Cut represents the "Taper" point; the 
larger, the body of the Line. 



5 4 3 2 1 

Braided Ijinen and Hard Braided Linen and Braided Cotton. 



G 



F 



E 



D 



C 



B 



Oiled Silk, Braided Silk. 
fi®="The above cuts are the exact sizc.^ of the lines they represent. They ap- 
pear, on paper, somewliat larger, as the cuts are " flat," while the Lines, from 
being " round," appear smaller to the eye. 

(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



FISHIXG-LINES. 261 

reel-line, for bait-fishing, should never be waterproofed 
with any preparation, or by any means whatever, for this 
can only be done with great detriment to the line, as re- 
gards casting, besides increasing its caliber. 

Next best to the raw silk-line is the braided boiled silk- 
line, or, as sometimes called, the dressed silk-line. This is 
a good line when plaited hard and closely, but most of 
them are too loosely braided; in which case they absorb 
water quite freely, which develops an annoying propensity 
of clinging to the rod in casting, and interferes somewhat 
with the free rendering of the line. They are made of 
good stock, however, and are quite strong, and nicely 
tinted. Sizes F and G, or Nos. 4 and 5, are the only 
ones to be used; and, for ordinary Bass-fishing, the lat- 
ter, or smallest — letter G, or No. 5 — is«the proper size. 
The boiled silk-line should be as well cared for, and as 
carefully dried, after use, as the raw silk-line, and for the 
same reasons. 

The braided linen-line is a very good one, in one re- 
spect better than the silk, being quite hard and closely 
plaited, but the caliber is too large. The smallest size 
now made is too great for a reel-line for Black Bass bait- 
fishing. Where the Bass run very large, however, as in 
lake-fishing, or in the extreme South, the smallest size 
may be employed with satisfaction. It will last longer 
than the silk-line, and will bear rougher and more careless 
usage. It is much heavier, however, and is not so elastic; 
and, therefore, not so desirable a line, in these respects, as 
the silk-line. Tiie only size to use is G, or 5. 

The above are the only lines that I can recommend for 
bait-fishing for Black Bass, where much casting is prac- 
ticed, for braided lines are the only lines that will not 



262 



BOOK OF TEIE BLACK BASS. 



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Braided Linen Keel-Line. 
(A. B.Shipley & Son.) 




Twisted Silk-Line. 
(A. B. Sliipley & Son.) 



FISHING -LINES. 263 

kink and curl. No twisted or cable-laid line can be profit- 
ably employed for this purpose, on account of this kink- 
ing propensity, which, to the angler, is a source of great 
trouble, vexation and perplexity; and there is no method 
by which the kink can be entirely removed or eradicated 
from twisted lines. Some anglers maintain that this kink- 
ing quality can be taken out of a line by trailing it in the 
water behind a boat, without sinker or hook; but this is a 
delusion and a snare, for after casting a line a few times 
in succession that has been treated in this manner for 
hours, it will kink and snarl as badly as ever, and this is 
to be naturally expected, from the mode of manufacturing 
such lines. It is unreasonable, moreover, to expect a 
twisted line to perform the functions of a braided line, for 
this it can not do. 

Use small-sized lines; they are strong enough with a 
pliant rod. A line that will hold up two pounds, dead 
weight, will land the largest Black Bass that swims, when 
used with a proper rod. Indeed, I have often used a line, 
which, toward the end of the season, when tested, would 
scarcely hold a pound dead weight, but which would safely 
land the largest Bass, or even Pickerel of fifteen pounds 
or more. 

Rod-Lines. 

The twisted line has its proper place in fishing, and 
sometimes answers a good purpose, as I will now explain. 
There are many anglers who, from choice or necessity, 
dispense with the reel in Black Bass fishing. Oftentimes^ 
the character of the stream is such that a reel can not be 
used to advantage ; for instance, on streams that are nar- 
row, and much choked with snags, roots, and other obstruc- 



264 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

tions, that preclude the playing of a fish, a reel is not nec- 
essary, for the fish must be killed within a few feet of where 
hooked, and must, of a necessity, be lauded as soon as 
possible. 

In this case, a long-, light, and })lial)le — but not too 
limber — rod must be used, say a natural cane-pole, twelve 
or even fifteen feet long, with the finest and smallest line 
that can be procured, which, in this case, is the ^twisted 
silk-line. This line is made of very small caliber, nicely 
tinted, of a suitable color, and is quite strong. It is manu- 
factured by Henry Hall & Sons, in connected lengths of 
fiifteen feet, which is about the right length of line for this 
kind of angling. The sizes run from No. 1, the smallest, 
up to No. 5, the largest. The smallest, or No. 1, is the 
size to use, always, when fishing on streams; but for pond 
or lake fishing, where Pickerel abound, No. 2 or 3 may 
be substituted. 

Next to the silk-line, in order of merit, comes the twisted 
or relaid sea-grass line, domestic or Japanese, the latter 
being the best. They are numbered in the same way 
as the silk-line. No. 1 being the smallest size, and the pref- 
erable size to use. Many anglers, notably in the l)order 
and Southern States, use the sea-grass line for a reel-line, 
in preference to all others, because it is strong, of small 
caliber, quite hard and elastic; and, as they do not cast 
very frequently, it answers pretty well, but, as stated be- 
fore, will kink when much casting is })racticed. The sea- 
grass line is both twisted and relaid, the latter being the 
best, as it does not kink quite so badly as the twisted line. 
In relaid lines, the strands are three in number, each strand 
being twisted from left to right, and the strands twisted 
together in the opposite direction, or from right to left. 



FISHIXG-LINES. 265 

On tlie score of economy, twisted flax and cotton lines 
are sometimes used for rod-lines ; but they are beneath the 
notice of tlie Black Bass angler, as the sizes are too large 
to be used for this purpose. 

Reel-Ltnes for Fly-fishing. 

The reel-line for fly-fishing must necessarily be heavier 
than the line used in bait-fishing, the greater weight of 
the former being required to cast objects so light and deli- 
cate as artificial flies; while in the case of the small and 
light bait-line, the minnow, swivel and sinker give the 
required weight for casting. Increased weight is ob- 
tained by increase of the caliber of the line, so a fly-line 
is consequently of a larger size than a bait-line. 

Formerly the twisted or plaited hair, and hair and silk- 
lines were employed altogether by the best anglers for fly- 
lines, but they have been almost entirely superseded by 
tiie really elegant tapered and enameled waterproof braided 
silk-line. The latter is the line j:>a?" excellence for all kinds 
of fly-fishing, being smooth, round, polished and perfectly 
Avaterproof, and is just stiff" and heavy enough to favor a 
perfectly straight cast, without looping or kinking, quali- 
ties that are peculiarly essential to this mode of angling. 
Those who have used the old-fashioned fly-lines, are pre- 
pared to speak feelingly and appreciatively concerning the 
great superiority and excellence of this line. 

They are made in several sizes for Salmon, Black Bass 
and Trout fishing ; are very strong and servieealde, and, 
for Black Bass angling, can be purchased in lengths of 
from twenty-five to thirty yards. They are usually fash- 
ioned with a regular and gradual taper for several yards to 
23 



266 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the fly-end, the fly-end being only about one-half the cali- 
ber of the reel-end. Hall & Son's lines, which is the best 
way, taper both ways from the middle. They are usually 
stained of a greenish-olive hue, which harmonizes well 
with the tints of the M^ater, sky and foliage. From 
twenty-five to thirty yards is the right length, and the 
size should be either E or F, which corresponds with Nos. 
3 and 4, some dealers designating the sizes by letters, 
others by numerals. 

The silk and hair-line is still used to some extent, but 
it is open to many objections. At best, it is a weak line, 
and soon rots and becomes worthless by use, even with 
good care. The ends of the hairs become frayed, and 
separate after a time, and are a constant source of annoy- 
ance, by sticking out at various places on the line, pre- 
venting it from working smoothly and freely through the 
rings of the rod. When used for Black Bass angling, the 
size suitable for Trout fishing will answer, and the length 
should be about thirty yards. 

Next best to the tapered enameled silk-line is the oiled 
braided silk-line ; though this is not tapered, it is a good, 
strong and useful line, and is used by many anglers in 
preference to all others. It is tinted of a similar shade to 
the enameled line, and altogether is a very satisfactory fly- 
line, being heavy enough, and, withal, cheaper than the 
tapered line. Letters E and F, or Nos. 3 and 4, are suit- 
able sizes. 

Next in order is the braided linen-line, either water- 
proof or plain. Where economy in price is the necessary 
object, this is the best line to select, though the angler 
should bear in mind that the best is the cheapest, for he 
knows full well that to no other class of goods does this 



FISHING-LINES. 267 

maxim apply with more force than to fishing-tackle. This 
line is sti'ong, firm and round, and is capable of long and 
hard service, if proper care is taken to dry it thoroughly 
always after using. It is well adapted for making a nice, 
straight cast, and will not curl or kink. It is usually 
stained a light shade of slate, or a grayish drab. Letter 
F, or No. 4, is about the right size. 

Some fly-fishers use the ordinary braided raw or boiled 
silk-lines, which, while being the very best lines for bait- 
fishing, are not so well adapted for fly-lines, on account of 
their light weight; the medium sizes, however, answer 
tolerably well. Letter E, or No. 3, is the correct size, 
when used for Black Bass fly-fishing. 

All fishing-lines that are not absolutely w^aterproof 
should be carefully dried after use; and even waterproof 
lines would be much benefited by an airing previous to 
putting away. Even the best lines become Aveak and 
worthless through want of proper and judicious treat- 
ment. It is impossible to make a line that is indestruc- 
tible, or proof against mildew or rot, though many anglers 
seem to think to the contrary, judging from the shiftless 
and reprehensible manner in which they use them; then, 
w^hen the line fails, they blame the manufacturer. 

Hand-Lines for Trolling. 

Tliere are many persons who can not, or will not, use a 
fishing-rod, but who greatly enjoy trolling Avith the hand- 
line and spoon-bait for Black Bass. For the benefit of 
these unfortunates, I will describe the proper line to be 
employed for this mode of fishing. 

The only line that is suitable for the purpose is a braided 



268 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Braided Linen Trolling-Line. 
(,A. B. Shipley & Won.) 



FISHING-LINES. 269 

or plaited linen or cotton line, size C or D (1 or 2). Such 
lines are large enough to preclude cutting the hands, and 
they will not kink or twist, qualities that are peculiarly 
essential for this kind of fishing. A twisted line, of any 
material, is inadmissible here, for the revolving of the 
spoon, if a swivel is not used, will cause even a braided 
line to twist on itself and kink ; therefore, one, or even 
two, swivels should always be attached to, and near the 
spinning-bait. A trolling hand-line should be from 
seventy-five to a hundred yards long. 



CHAPTER XII. 

SILK-WOKM GUT. 

" But if yon can attain to angle with one hair,— you shall have more rises, 
and catch more fish."— Izaak Walton. 

The material of which leaders and snells are composed 
is a mystery to many anglers. It is eminently fitted for 
the purposes mentioned, being as nearly invisible as any 
substance can well be, and at the same time is quite 
strong and impermeable to water. 

It is really the "fluid silk" of the silk-worm, drawn out 
into a continuous length. This fluid silk, whicli in its 
natural state resembles colorless varnish, is contained in 
long cylindrical sacks, many times the length of the worm, 
and which are capable of being unfolded by immersion in 
water, and the fluid silk can be drawn out into threads, 
longer or shorter, coarse or fine, as may be desired. 

Mr, Wm, Gray, of Davenport, Iowa, in an article in 
the Forest and Stream, gives some very interesting in- 
formation concerning the process of drawing out the 
threads, which, to many anglers, will be new. He says: — 

In all my reading I have never seen a sentence in reference to 
that most essential article to the sportsman angler, viz.: silk-worm 
gut ; what it was and how prepared. I know that many skillful 
fishers know nothing about where it comes from. Others think that 
because it is called silk-worm gut, therefore it is the intestines of 
the silk-worm, just as catgut (violin strings) are made from the 
(270) 



SILK-WORM GUT. 271 

intestines of a cat (?) or a sheep, after the mucous membrane has 
been remov-ed from it. But such is not tlie case. It is true tliat it 
comes from the inside of the silk-worm, but it is not what we would 
call the gut. 

More than forty years ago I was curious to know what this article 
was, but not until within four years ago did I ascertain. Inside of 
the silk-worm there are two lobes or sacs lying together, somewhat 
like the two lobes of eggs in a fish. When these lobes are fully 
developed they consist of a A'iscid fluid, and if the worm were 
allowed to live this would all be spun out of its mouth as a cocoon 
of silk. But if silk-worm gut is wanted, the worms are taken when 
the lobes are mature (or ripe, as they term it,) and thrown into 
strong vinegar for about two hours. The eflfect of this immersion 
in vinegar kills the worms, makes the external part of their bodies 
very tender, and thickens the fluid in the lobes into a soft, tough 
pulp. 

The next process is to remove it from the vinegar and remove the 
outer part carefully, and one at a time, these lobes are caught by 
the thumb and finger by the ends, with each hand, and stretched 
apart to the length required, and given two or three twists around 
a small pin placed in each end of a frame, where they remain till 
dry enough to be bunched up ready for market. That this i.s the 
way that gut is finished we have some evidence by ' examining a 
thread of it in the bunch as commonly sold. At each end you will 
see where it has been twisted around the pin, and beyond that, 
where the piece held in the fingers has been stripped out, which is 
usually flat. 

That there are other insects than the common silk-worm (how 
many I do not know) who have this lobe of fluid matter that is 
utilized into fishing gut I am satisfied. More than forty years ago 
I got a quantity of gut (how or from whom I do not remember), 
but it was different from any I had ever seen before or since. It 
was heavy and long. Some of the threads were nearly three feet, 
perfect in smoothness and equal in thickness, and as thick as good 
salmon gut. The color, however, differed from the ordinary gut, 
being brown-colored, as if .soaked in tea, but I am satisfied it was 
the natural color. I still have a few threads of it in my tackle- 
book, which have been there about forty-five years. I have just 



272 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

looked at them, and find that the longest yet remaining is twenty- 
three and a half inches; a good, clear thread; one of the lightest 
of the lot. 

About as long ago as I can remember there was an article sold 
called sea-weed, which was used by fly-fishers. It was from three 
to four feet in length, round, smooth, and tapered from the root 
to the point, but was not reliable as to its strength. I have not 
seen any of it for nearly fifty years past. 

The long and heavy gut to which Mr. Gray alludes, is, 
possibly, the product of one of our native silk-worms, as 
Dr. T. Garlick, of Bedford, Ohio, one of the fathers of 
pisciculture in the United States, states that he has drawn 
silk gut from four to six feet long, sufficiently strong for 
Salmon fishing, from the larva of the Afticus cecropia, the 
largest of our native silk-worms. 

Dr. Garlick describes the process, in the Forest and 
Stream, as follows: — 

I have drawn silk gut not only from the Attlcus cecropia and A. 
prometheus, but also from the Italian silk-worm. I have never killed 
the worm, nor put it in vinegar for this purpose, which may be the 
best method. Soon after the larva ceases to feed he begins to spin 
his cocoon, which is the right time to draw the silk gut. I pin the 
worm to a board, putting one pin in his caudal extremity, and 
another pin about one-third of his length back from his head. I 
then, with a sharp knife, cut off the forepart of the worm far 
enough back to cut off a very little of the sac containing the silk, 
Avhich is a fluid of about the consistency of the white of an egg. I 
then take a large pin, and dipping it into the fluid silk, Avhich 
adheres to the pin, I draw out the silk slowly (the more slowly the 
larger will be the gut); until I have drawn out all, or nearly all, of 
the silk contained in the sacs. I then take another pin, and attach 
it to the other extremity of the gut, at the point where I divided 
the worm. The two pins are then stuck into a board, drawing the 
gut taut, which soon becomes hard and fit for use. The fluid silk 



SILK- WORM GUT. 273 

hardens to some extent immediately on coming in contact with the 
air. 

Leaders_, or Casting Lines. 

The silk-worm gut imported into the United States, 
and used for leaders and snells, is usually in short lengths 
of from twelve to fifteen inches. In forming leaders, 
these are knotted together to the desired length. There 
are many grades of gut, and the angler will do well to 
remember that the best is the cheapest. 

Black Bass leaders should be from six to nine feet long, 
and composed of the best single Spanish silk-worm gut, 
heavy and strong, hard and round. The gut lengths 
should be perfectly clear and sound, quite smooth, and 
without inequalities or rough places. The rod-end of the 
leader should be composed of a large-sized gut, the next 
length a trifle smaller, and so diminish by a gradual taper 
to the fly-end. The several lengths should be neatly and 
firmly knotted together by what is technically known as 
the double water-knot. The ends should be cut off 
closely; or, if the single water-knot is used, the ends 
should be first wrapped with silk, waxed and varnished, 
and then cut off neatly and closely. 

It should be remembered that it is necessary to soak 
and soften the ends of the gut-lengths previous to tying. 
The water-knot, if correctly tied, can be easily slipped 
apart and the snell of a fly inserted, when it is to be se- 
curely drawn together again, the snell having a knot tied 
on the end to prevent its pulling out; but more of this 
anon. 

Some leaders are now made with loops for attaching the 



274 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




5 ^ 



SILK-WORM GUT. 275 

flies, which is a very convenient and expeditious way, but 
the old method is still much in vogue, and both plans 
have their advocates. 

Too much care can not be exercised in selecting the 
leader, for upon its soundness and excellence depend much 
of the pleasure and success of fly-fishing. It should be 
carefully examined in every inch of its length, and the 
knots closely inspected. The leader should always be 
stained some suitable neutral tint ; either a slightly green- 
ish, grayish, or smoky hue will answer. Strong green 
tea, diluted black ink, or a weak solution of indigo, make 
good stains. The leader should have a loop at each end, 
for attaching the reel -line and stretcher- fly. 

I will not enter into the details of making leaders, as 
they can now be purchased so cheaply, and of such superior 
excellence, that the amateur can hardly hope to equal them, 
even were it necessary. The leaders known as "mist- 
colored " are all that can be desired, and the angler can 
have them sent by mail from any first-class dealer, who 
will select them "upon honor." I will only add, beware 
of double or twisted-leaders; they are an abomination to 
the Black Bass fly-fisher. 

Snells, or Snoods. 

For utility and convenience, hooks are tied on short 
pieces of gut, gimp, or sea-grass, called snells, or snoods. 
The best material for snells is silk-worm gut, as it is light, 
strong;, and nearly invisible. It should be stained of a 
similar color, and in the same manner as the leader. 

The length of snells for Black Bass angling should be 
from six to eight inches ; and they should be composed of 



276 



BO(^K OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Leader, or Casting Line. 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 




Shipley's Self-hooking Elastic Snood. 

(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 




Snell and Hook. 

(A. B. Shipley •& Son.) 



SILK-WORM GUT. 277 

riingle, heavy giit, though they may be made double if the 
gut is very light or fine. 

The hooks should be neatly, carefully, and securely tied 
on with waxed silk, and varnished; and a strong and firm 
loop must be formed on the other end of the sncll, for at- 
taching to the reel line. The ends of the gut should be 
softened by soaking in warm water before tying on the 
hook and forming the loop. 

Gut snells, or loops, are always used for artificial flies ; 
when snells are used, they should be from three to six 
inches in length, and should always be formed of single 
gut, with, or without loops in the ends, according to the 
style of leader used, whether with loops for the attachment 
of the fly-snells, or not. 

Messrs. A. B. Shipley & Son, of Philadelphia, manufac- 
ture a patent, self-hooking, elastic snell, formed by tying 
a short piece of silk rubber cord across a bight of the gut- 
snell, giving it a spring or play of two inches or more. 
Messrs. Shipley say that it has proved very successful, and 
describe its modus operandi as follows : — 

"The fish, on biting and attempting to let go the bait, 
is at once caught ; as when the tension of its biting or 
pulling at the bait ceases, the snood flies, or springs imme- 
diately, and fastens the hook, itself, thus saving the setting 
of the wrist, or loosing the fish by inattention." 

In fishing for Black Bass in waters where Pickerel or 
Pike-Perch abound, it becomes necessary to substitute 
gimp, for the gut of the snell, as the sharp, long, and nu- 
merous teeth of these species would make short work of 
the delicate gut, by fraying it or cutting it in two, and 
thus subject the angler to the great annoyance and aggra- 
tion of often loosing both hook and fish. 



278 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




silk-worm gut. 279 

Knots. 

In angling, as in sailing, there is no accomplishment so 
necessary, or that proclaims the finished angler or sailor 
so well, as his ability to tie a good knot. The beginner 
should study the plate of "knots" thoroughly, and by 
practice learn to tie each and all of them readily and prop- 
erly. I have seen otherwise good anglers who could not 
tie a correct or graceful knot, and the knife was always 
brought into requisition to " untie " their clumsy efforts ; 
in this way their lines become shorter daily, and " beauti- 
fully less." 

There is always a right way and a wrong way to do 
every thing; and though a knot may seem an unimportant 
thing, it is really often a most vital one, many times caus- 
ing the angler to lose a good fish, and might result in the 
loss of his life to the sailor. The new hand will please 
remember that whatever is worth doing at all, is worth 
doing well. 

Fig. 1 is the " common " knot for forming a loop at the 
end of a line, or snell. It has its uses. 

Fig. 2 is the best knot for tying such a loop ; it looks a 
little intricate, but can be learned by practice, and once 
learned, will be a "well-spring of pleasure." 

Fig. 3 is a good and simple method of attaching the 
reel-line to the loop of the leader, or snell. It is the 
" tiller-hitch," or " helm-knot," so-called because it can be 
instantly cast off by a jerk on the end; being thus the 
safest hitch for the main-sheet in sailing. 

Fig. 4 is a more secure knot for attaching the end of 
the line to loop of leader, or snell ; it makes a small and 
neat knot, and is easily untied. It is the " becket-hitch," 



280 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

with a small round knot in the end of the line to prevent 
its working loose. 

Fig. 5 is another method of fastening reel-line to loop 
of leader, or snell ; it is a very safe and secure knot, and 
is a modification of the "reef-knot," (fig. 10). 

Fig. 6 is similar to fig. 5, with the end of line fastened 
on itself by a half-hitch ; it is very secure, but a little 
more difficult to untie than fig. 5. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are 
all good knots for bending the line to loop of leader, or 
snell ; they draw up close and snug, will not slip, and are 
easily loosened. The angler can take his choice, but he 
should never tie his line and leader together by the com- 
mon knot (similar to fig. 1), or the square knot (fig. 10). 
The leader should always be provided with a loop in each 
end, neatly seized with good sewing silk, and varnished. 
In bait-fishing, a loop may be formed on the end of the 
reel-line, by which it may be fastened to one ring of the 
swivel, wdien it is desired to pass the loop of the snell 
through the opposite ring. 

Fig. 7 is the " single water-knot," for tying lengths of 
gut together to form the leader; it consists in half-hitches 
at the ends of the gut-lengths, which are formed around 
the opposing gut- lengths, as shown in the figure; this forms 
a sliding knot for securing the end of the snell of a drop- 
fly. 

Fig. 8 is the " double water-knot" for the same purpose 
as fig. 7 ; it is more secure, but not so neat, as double 
hitches are used in its construction, as plainly shown in 
the figure. 

Fig. 9, shows the method of fastening the snell of a 
dropper by the single or double water-knots. After the 
two parts of the water-knot are drawn tight, as shown in 



SILK-WORM GUT. 281 

the figure, a round knot is made in the end of the snell 
of the fly, and is put through the open loop between the 
two halves of the water-knot, which latter are then drawn 
together close and snug, holding the snell tightly and se- 
curely. By using this mode of attaching droppers to tlie 
leader^ they stand at right angles to it, and may be changed 
as often as desired, and with but little trouble, by simply 
sliding the water-knots apart, taking out the snell of one 
fly and inserting another. The flies can not pull out, as 
might be supposed, for the strain and struggles of a fish 
only serve to make the knot draw more closely together. 

Fig. 10 is the " reef-knot," or common square knot, and 
is a very safe and strong knot for many purposes ; it never 
slips or jams, when properly tied, and is easily loosened; 
but in tying this knot, if the second turn or hitch is not 
made exactly right, it forms a "granny-knot," than which 
there is no worse or more uncertain knot made, and yet 
nine persons out of ten tie a "granny- knot." The novice 
will do well to study this common knot, and learn to tie 
it correctly. It is sometimes used for tying the lengths of 
a leader, in which case, as also with the single water-knot, 
the ends should be cut ofl* closely, and neatly whipped with 
fine sewing silk and varnished. 

Fig. 11 is the form of knot generally used by manufac- 
turers of leaders, or casting lines, for tying together the gut- 
lengths ; it is a very simple knot to tie, though it looks 
somewhat difficult in the figure, and in the way that I 
have seen some attempt it, is a difficult knot. I have 
drawn the two lengths of different colors, one white, the 
other dark, so that the construction of the knot can be 
more easily seen. The ends of two gut-lengtlis are passed 

by one another, or in other words lapped, sufficiently to 
24 



282 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

allow of their being tied by a single hitch and drawn 
tightly, just like tying a single knot in a double string 
(as in fig. 1). Usually the knot is made double by pass- 
ing the ends of the gut through twice, instead of but once, 
in tying ; that is by simply tying what is known as a 
"surgeon's knot" (for ligating arteries) with a double 
thread. The short ends are then trimmed off closely. If 
a leader is made with loops for attaching drop-flies, this is 
the best knot to use in making the leader itself, being, 
like fig. 10, secure and unyielding. 

Where knots like figs. 10 and 11 are used in construct- 
ing the leader, and no loops are provided for attaching 
droppers, the latter must be secured by a half-hitch, just 
above a knot in the leader, as shown in figs. 10 and 11, 
which is a very good plan. It must be borne in mind, 
that in tying lengths of gut together, or in tying loops or 
knots in gut-snells, the ends must first be soaked in water 
until quite soft and pliable ; this must also be observed in 
bending or tying a hook on a gut-snell. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

HOOKS. 

" For in the Prophet Amos, mention is made of fish-hooks ; and in the book 
of Job, wliicli was long before tlie days of Amos, for that book is said to have 
been written by Moses, mention is made also of fish-hooks, wliich must imply 
anglers in those times."— Izaak Walton. 

The best fish-hooks are made in England, that country 
supplying the world with hooks of all sizes and styles, for 
all kinds of fishing. The town of Redditch has been 
famous for its fish-hooks for at least two centuries. There, 
are located the celebrated makers, Harrison, Hemming, 
Alcock, and others, whose familiar names are almost sy- 
nonymous with hooks and needles, both articles being 
usually made by the manufacturers mentioned. 

The following brief account of the process of making 
fish-hooks will doubtless prove interesting to most of my 
readers. It is an extract from a letter in the Forest and 
Stream, written by Miss Sara J. McBride, of Oswego, New 
York, the well-known, skillful tyer of artificial flies ; and 
whose writings are as charming and attractive as her 
artistic imitations of the insect world. The letter is one 
descriptive of a recent visit to the celebrated factory of 
Alcock, at Redditch, England : — 

And this is Alcock's ! How familiar the name! What a host of 
reminiscences rise as we enter tlie doors — "Rotuid Bend Kendall," 
" Kirby," " Sneck Bend," "Alcock's Best ; " all spring up like phan- 
tom forms. Tlirough the kindly courtesy of Mr. Alcock we Avere 

(283) 



284 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

shown througli the different apartments and saw the various manip- 
ulations the wire taken from the coil undergoes, until the delicately 
pointed, japanned hook is ready for the market. In one corner of a 
room there was a large pair of upright scissors; with a quick snap 
two hundred or more pieces of the required length were cut from a 
bundle of wire ; six to ten of these pieces are taken, held firmly 
against an iron bar, and an incision made with a sharp knife, for the 
barb. Next the filer takes each one separately with a pair of pliers, 
holds it in a vise, and with a few deft movements of a file, the 
embryo hook is pointed. Now they are bent on different forms. 
This is the christening period. They come forth, Sproat, Limerick, 
O'Shaughnessy, Kirby, Kendall, Sneck Bend, Hollow Points, and 
Round Points. The hardening process is the next in order. As we enter 
this department our nostrils are assailed by a fearful stench of burn- 
ing fish-oil. We would like to retreat — an instant's consideration — 
we decide to ignore the olfactory nerves and keep on. Here we are 
shown rows of ovens, all filled with pans of burning, blazing hooks. 
They are kept in this fiery furnace from fifteen to twenty-five minutes, 
then taken and thrown into the bath of oil. We were informed they 
formerly used water for cooling, but now they considered oil the best. 
True to Yankee instinct, I queried why. The workman did not 
enter into a learned disctission on the molecular construction, or 
atomic properties of steel, and the consequent differentiation of the 
particles in cooling, as a Boston girl might have done, but Avith a 
wise nod and a firm pressure of the lips said, "The oil is the best." 
I thought the oil was used to keep visitors from intruding. The 
hooks taken from the oil are quite brittle. To remedy this they are 
reheated. During this process, which lasts but a few minutes, they 
are stirred briskly in sand. 

We next visited the scouring room. Here were eight small barrels, 
all filled with hooks and fine sand, revolving and turning round and 
round with a deafening clash and clang. In this room the workmen 
escaped quizzing. The noise was too much for me. Now for the 
finishing touches — the japanning. The japan is a black, tarry liquid 
made in Birmingham, the composition of which seems to be a trade 
secret, as I failed to learn it. Two coats of japan are applied ; they 
are heated moderately in an oven and thoroughly mixed after each 
heating. 



nooKS. 285 

In the wfireroom we are shown immense quantities of hooks, all 
sizes, done up iu packages of thousands and tens of thousands, ready 
to be shipped to all parts of the world. Here is the small delicate 
hook for France, so diminutive that the rude scale of inches has to 
be laid aside and only the French milimeter can do it justice ; hooks 
for Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand ; triple hooks, 
double hooks, hooks flattened, hooks ringed, hooks headed, and hooks 
eyed. All kinds of hooks for all kinds of fish. 



The most approved hooks for Black Bass, are the Sproat, 
O'Shaughnessy, Dublin Limerick, Cork Shape Limerick, 
Round Bend Carlisle, or Aberdeen, and Hollow Point 
Limerick; they are best in the order named, and those 
made by Harrison & Son, and T. Hemming & Son, excel 
all others. 

There are fish-hooks and fish-hooks, and to the nniniti- 
ated one hook is as good as another; all they can see in a 
hook, is the fiict that it has a shank, a bend, and a bearded 
point. But to the angler this contracted view is not suffi- 
cient. There are many styles of shank, numerous forms 
of bend, and various ways of fashioning the barb and point, 
all of which are of the highest practical importance. Some 
hooks are made for general .service, while others are formed 
exclusively for particular kinds of fish, or for special 
methods of angling. The fish-hook of to-day is not es- 
sentially different from that used by the ancient Greeks 
and Romans, to the casual observer ; but to the practiced 
eye, the hooks now produced, for form, temper, and 
strength have never been equaled in the history of the 
world. < 

The form, quality, and general excellence of hooks, as 
now made, is the result of the competitive skill and great 
experience of the manufacturers of Redditch, England, 



286 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

whose energies and resources have been directed in this 
peculiar channel for nearly two hundred years ; and, as 
might be inferred, as between the hooks of the first-class 
makers, there is but little choice, so far as quality and 
workmanship are concerned. 

There is no implement of the craft that is so universally 
kept in stock at the small stores and shops throughout the 
country as the fish-hook; and these hooks, as a rule, are 
of very inferior quality, as might be inferred when we take 
into consideration their cheapness, notwithstanding the 
fact that they must net the dealer at least fifty per cent, 
profit, or he would not sell them. 

While the average angler is inclined to use heavier rods, 
and stronger lines, than are actually necessary, he does not 
seem to be so much impressed with the importance of 
strength in a fish-hook, but accepts those of the small 
dealers mentioned, with a blind faith that a hook is a 
hook, and that one is as strong as another, if of the same 
sized wire; and, morover, he recognizes but two forms of 
hooks, the Kirby, or side-bend, and the straight, or more 
or less rounding-bend. 

Now there are no fallacies so great as these, for the hook 
is of the most vital importance to the angler, and he should 
obtain the very best to be had, both in form and quality. 
Fish-hooks, in themselves, being of so comparatively small 
a price, it is the most insane idea of economy to purchase 
any but those of the very best quality. The most approved 
form of bend and barb, should also be taken into serious 
consideration. 

The highest grades of English hooks, like English gun- 
barrels, are thoroughly tested by causing them to sustain a 
strain, twice or thrice as great as they are usually put to 



HOOKS. 287 

in actual service, and the extra care and manipulation, and 
the superior stock used in the construction of such hooks, 
make their cost somewhat higher; but this extra amount 
is money well expended, for the angler can rely upon them 
with the utmost confidence, provided they are the product 
of the best makers; there is but one thing left to decide 
his choice among such hooks, viz., the peculiar bend or 
form given to the hook, of which there are several that 
are good enough. I might add, that all first-class hooks 
are japanned, or black, and that a blued hook is always of 
an inferior quality. 

As regards the shape and bend of a hook, my first 
choice for Black Bass angling is the " Sproat Bend," and 
the next best form, in my opinion, is the "O'Shaughnessy." 
In general form and bend the two hooks are identical, but 
their difference consists in the form of barb, and direction 
of the point. In the latter peculiarities, the Sproat is 
fashioned after true scientific principles, being a central- 
draught hook ; that is, the short, squarish, or somewhat 
angular barb, terminates in an abrupt point, which, if con- 
tinued upward, would intersect a line drawn from the ex- 
tremity of the shank and continuous with it. In other 
words, the direction of the point of the hook is towards 
the end of the shank. 

When the Sproat hook is tied on a snell, and the point 
of the hook is held against the ball of the thumb, and 
traction made on the snell, the direction of the point of 
the hook is on the same plane, or in the same direction or 
axis as the line of the snell, thus constituting what is 
termed a central-draught fish-hook. The wire of the 
Sproat is a trifle smaller than the O'Shaughuessy, which 



288 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



§?ROf 


^BENI 


>♦ 








\J<kkk}^ 


O'SHAUGHNES 

1 


5Y. 


1 






V3' 

Al 


3ER0EEN. 


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<y 


vli 


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d 


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HOOKS. 289 

is another advantage. The latter hook has a long and 
somewhat hollow point, which is curved outward. 

The Sproat Bend I regard as the very best hook manu- 
factured. I first commenced its use ten or twelve years 
ago, and have since used no other. Its appearance is 
somewhat against it, but it is like "a singed cat." By 
the side of a delicate, blued, gracefully-shaped Aberdeen, 
it looks black, and rather clumsy, with its short barb and 
peculiar bend, but it means " business." Its temper is 
just right, and when you strike a fish it goes right 
through any part of the mouth, never springing out, and 
never disappointing you. I have had the Aberdeen so 
soft as to completely straighten and pull out, and so brittle 
as to break like a pipe stem, but the Sproat Bend has yet 
to fail me. For staying qualities it is perfection itself. 

The "Dublin Bend," or Dublin Limerick, as it is some- 
times called, and the " Dublin Limerick Forged," are ex- 
cellent hooks, and are identical in form and bend with 
the O'Shaughnessy hook, the only difference consisting in 
the caliber of the wire, which, in the latter, is a trifle 
heavier. The Forged Dublin Limerick has the wire 
flattened by hammering or forging; it is a remarkably 
strong hook. 

The " Cork-Shape Limerick," has an almost round bend, 
with a straight shank, and a long straight point, which is 
parallel with the shank in its direction, and a very good 
hook, being of rather smaller ware than the Sproat. 

The " Carlisle " hooks are made of very small wire, and 
are very delicate and attractive to the eye, but for Black 
Bass fishing I do not admire them, though, until I came 
across the Sproat hook, I used the round bend Carlisle 

(Aberdeen) altogether. Still, many anglers prefer them 

25 



290 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




1. Triple hook. 
4. Dublin Bend 
7. Limerick. 

10. Aberdeen. 

13. Kinsey. 



2. Lip hook. 

5. O'Shaughnessy. 

8. Cork Shape. 
11. Kirby Carlisle. 
14. Sneck Bend. 



3. Double fly-hook. 
6. Chestertown. 
9. Sproat. 
12. Gravitation. 



HOOKS. 291 

on account of the small wire, which is not so apt to injure 
the minnow, but I might say here, that if a minnow is put 
on with care, it need not be injured to a greater extent, 
even with the Forged Dublin Bend hook, than with the 
Carlisle. The round-bend Carlisle, or Aberdeen hook, has 
a perfectly round bend, and a long straight shank ; the 
barb is long, with the point curving outward. 

The "Hollow Point Limerick" is the last hook that I 
will mention, favorably ; it is a very old form of hook, 
and is still a great favorite with many, notably the veter- 
ans of the angle, whose experience with this hook dates 
back to the heyday of youth. The form of the Limerick 
is well known ; it has a straight shank, and a very abrupt 
bend, with a long, straight, and hollow point. 

The Kirby Carlisle, the Kirby Limerick, and, in fact, 
all hooks with the " Kirby " or side-bend I can not rec- 
ommend for any kind of angling. It is the worst possible 
crook that can be given to a fish-hook, being both unsci- 
entific and impracticable. 

The needle-pointed, or hook without a beard or barb, 
has been recommended for fly-fishing, but it will not an- 
swer for the Black Bass. So long as the fish remains in 
the water, and a proper tension of line is maintained by the 
angler, it holds as well as any other hook, but when the 
fish leaps from the water in its struggles to free itself, like 
the Black Bass, there is a great liability of its shaking out 
such a hook. 

Artificial flies, tied on extremely small barbless and' 
needle-pointed hooks with a circular bend, have been used j 
in Japan for centuries, and while such hooks may do for 
the Brook Trout, and fishes closely allied to it in habits, 
they are totally unsuitable for the Black Bass, or any fish 



292 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



\J\JJ\:J\J\y 



Kirby, or Side-bend Hooks. 
(Win. MiUs & Son.) 







Edgar Patent Barbless Hooks. 
(Wm. Mills & Son.) 



HOOKS. 293 

that makes such desperate efforts to get away, when 
hooked. 

The Edgar patent barbless hook, manufactured by Will- 
iam Mills & Son, is made upon a very different principle, 
and is all that the inventor claims for it. This hook, 
while having no barb, has a " keeper" which securely 
holds the fish after it is hooked, rendering it impossible 
for it to escape, even witli a slack line. It is the only 
" patent " fish-hook that has any real merit, though it seems 
to me like taking too much advantage of a fish, and is 
likely to foster and encourage a careless and shiftless style 
of angling. Still it will no doubt become quite a favorite 
hook with many. To my mind the great charm of angling 
consists in using a proper judgment (born of a thorough 
knowledge of the fish and its habits) in presenting the 
bait, and the exercise of skill and science in hooking, 
playing, and landing it. 

The Edgar hook is hand-made, composed of good and 
reliable wire, and for fresh water fishing is made in several 
sizes, and numbered from 1 to 10, No. 1 being the small- 
est. For Black Bass, the proper sizes are Nos. 4, 5, and 6 
for bait-fishing, and Nos. 2 and 3, for fly-fishing. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 

" To frame the little animal, provide 
All the gay hues that wait on female pride ; 
Let nature guide thee. Sometimes golden wire 
The shining bellies of the fly require; 
The peacock's plumes thy tackle must not fail, 
Nor the dear purchase of the sable's tail. 
Each gaudy bird some slender tribute brings. 
And lends the growing insect proper wings : 
Silks of all colors must their aid impart, 
And every fur promote the fisher's art."— Gay. 

Fly-Fishtng and the art of making artificial flies 
dates back at least to the ancient Greeks and Romans. 
During the palmy days of the Roman Empire, the rod, 
line, hook, and artificial fly were well known. Noel de la 
Moriniere tells us that the lines were generally made of 
horsehair, single, double, and plaited ; and according to 
^lianus the hair was colored in different ways. The 
fishing-rod was chosen with reference to the supposed weight 
of the fish to be caught, and the resistance it could offer. 
The hooks were of copper or iron, and coated with tin. 
The art of making flies of feathers and other materials has, 
perhaps, never been carried further in our own time, even 
in England itself. It is possible that the national love 
for fly-fishing was introduced into Britain by the Romans. 

It is with some degree of trepidation that I approach the 
subject of artificial flies, for I am afraid that I hold some 
(294) 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 295 

very heretical notions on the subject. But of one fact I 
am positively convinced, and that is, that there is a good 
deal of humbug in this matter, as evidenced in the many 
fine-spun theories and hair-splitting arguments that are 
advocated and advanced (pertaining to the construction 
and use of artificial flies) by some anglers, but which the- 
ories do not hold good in practice, 

In England, more especially, do anglers proceed to ex- 
tremes as theorists in the matter of artificial flies for Trout 
fishing. They seem to be divided, principally, into " col- 
orists," or those who think color of paramount importance 
to form, and " formalists," or "entomologists," who main- 
tain that form is every thing, and profess to imitate the 
natural fly, in its proper season, in every particular of 
form and tinting. But there is no evidence that one class 
is more successful than the other, as anglers. On the other 
hand are the followers of Mr. Pennell's system, or plan, 
who confine themselves to, and advocate the employment 
of, but three " typical " flies — green, brown, and yellow 
palmers, or "hackles" — and claim that they are sufficient 
for all practical purposes, and can be made available for 
different waters and seasons, by increasing or diminishing 
the size of the flies, as circumstances seem to demand. 
While the adherents to this latter theory are fully as suc- 
cessful, from all accounts, as those who have a list of nearly 
a thousand named flies to choose from, and enjoy the sat- 
isfaction of liaving reduced the perplexing matter to a de- 
lightful simplicity, and of obviating the troubles of a re- 
peated changing of the cast of flies as practiced by others 
— they must sometimes feel a regret deep in their hearts 
for casting down and sweeping away their idols and cher- 
ished traditions, and to a certain extent tlie poetry of fly- 



296 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

fishing, by their iconoclastic though sensible opinions and 
practices. 

Where fish are plentiful and in a *' biting mood/' almost 
any fly, be it never so rudely tied, and of the least possible 
resemblance to any thing in the insect creation, will be 
successful, even if clumsily cast;, on the contrary, there are 
times when the best made flies, cast by the most skillful 
artists, are necessary to induce a rise. Between these ex- 
tremes must we look for rules for our general guidance, 
and without occupying further space with arguments, pro 
and con, it will be sufficient to say that there are certain 
general rules which apply to the character of the fly to be 
used at certain times, and which rules are the result of, and 
founded xipon, the experience and observations of fly-fish- 
ers for many generations past. 

These rules, so far as they apply to Black Bass fly-fish- 
ing, are few and simple : — 

1. Flies should be small, rather than large, the average 
Trout-fly being usually large enough. 

2. On bright days, and with clear, low, or fine water, 
flies should be quite small, and of subdued, dark, or neu- 
tral tints. 

3. For cloudy days, and high, turbid, or rough water, 
larger and brighter flies should be used. 

4. For very dark days, or from sunset until dark, or on 
moonlight evenings, gray or whitish flies, of good size, 
should be employed. 

I shall not go into an entomological description of flies 
and their counterfeits, for it is neither requisite nor advis- 
able, so far as Bass flies are coucerned. For those who 
feel an interest in this subject, however, I can recommend, 
cheerfully, the several fine works published in England on 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 297 

the construction of Trout and Salmon flies ; among the best 
of which are Ronald's " Fly-Fisher's Entomology," and 
Pennell's " Modern Practical Angler." 

I will merely state that the majority of artificial flies 
are of two kinds, and are intended to represent the jjcrfect 
winged insects of certain orders, and the larvae of others; 
thus, most Trout-flies are the pretended imitations of some 
of the species of the orders Diptcra and Neuroptera, the 
former comprising the two-winged insects, as the gnats, 
mosquitoes, midges, etc., and the latter the four-winged 
insects, as the May-flies,^ dragon-flies, etc. The larval 
form of fly is supposed to represent a caterpillar, and is 
called a " hackle," or, more correctly a "palmer." It must 
be borne in mind in this connection that an artificial fly, 
when wet, presents a much different appearance from the 
same fly when dry, and our flies should be tied with refer- 
ence to this contingency. 

The term "hackle" is likely to cause some confusion in 
the mind of the new hand, if not explained; for it is sus- 
ceptible of several meanings, as used by anglers and fly- 
tyers. The proper meaning of the word is a "feather" 
from the neck or saddle of the cock, and known as a 
"neck-hackle," or a "saddle-hackle," as the case may be. 
These hackle-feathers are used to imitate the legs or feet 
of an artificial fly; and as one variety of fly consists only 
of a body with a hackle Avound spirally around this body, 
from one end to the other-, this form of fly has come to be 
known, in this country, at least, as "a hackle," though, as 
stated before, the proper name is " j>almer," and it is de- 
signed to imitate a caterpillar, for it is only a body bristling 
with "legs." 

Then there is the "hackle-fly," which is a fly with body, 



298 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

wings^ and, perhaps, a tail, and, in addition, a hackle- 
feather tied on at the shoulder, to represent the legs; and 
most flies are made in this way, though a few, notably, 
some salmon-flies, have, in addition to wings, tail and 
feelers — the entire body wound with a hackle, like a pal- 
mer. This is known as a "combination-fly," and, like 
all salmon-flies, does not pretend to imitate any thing in 
nature. 

It is not my intention to give any instruction in the art 
of fly-tying, nor do I deem it at all expedient, for it is an 
art that can not be taught by written directions, without 
the aid of explanatory cuts and diagrams, and even then 
in but a moderate degree. The best way for one to ob- 
tain an insight into the mysteries of the art, is to care- 
fully dissect and take apart the flies of the best makers, 
for in the taking apart one can acquire more or less of the 
modus operandi of the putting together. 

The most approved hooks for bass-flies are the Sproat, 
O'Shaughnessy, Dublin Limerick, Cork Shape Limerick, 
and Hollow Point Limerick. I consider tliem best in the 
order named, though the O'Shaughnessy is thought by 
many to be the best. It is the same in all respects as the 
Dublin Limerick, except that it is a little heavier in wire, 
and it differs from the Sproat only in the barb, the latter 
having a shorter barb, with the point straight, or pointing 
toward the extreme end of the shank, forming a true 
center-drauglit hook. The barb of the O'Shaughnessy is a 
little longer, and the point is turned slightly outward. 
But any of these hooks will give good satisfaction. They 
are made in the best manner, and of tlie best material, by 
R. Harrison Bartleet & Co., successors to Richard Harrison 
& Co., and T. Hemming & Son, of Redditch, England. 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 299 

The most suitable sizes, for bass-flies, are Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 
5, the hist being the smallest that should be used under 
ordinary circumstances, though, for the smallest flies, Nos. 
6 and 7 may be employed. These numbers apply to all 
of the hooks named above. 

Flies may be tied on a silk-worm gut-snell several 
inches in length, or may have simply a small, short gut- 
loop. Those with loops can be used as "stretchers" or 
tail-flies; but when used as "dro])pers" or bob-flies, they 
must be attached to the leader by a half length of gut, say 
four inches long. 

Many "trout-flies" are used, and with good eifect in 
Black Bass fishing, for really the form and color of the 
fly does not seem to make much diiference with the Bass; 
he does not seem so "fastidious," as it is termed, in his 
choice of flies. Most of the "general" trout-flies are 
taken as patterns for bass-flies, as the Coachman, Pro- 
fessor, Soldier, Grizzly King, Queen of the Water, King 
of the Water, Ibis, Kingdom, Quaker, etc., and all of the 
palmers or " hackles." 

As every angler Avill become partial, sooner or later, 
to certain flies, and adopt them as favorites to the exclu- 
sion of others, I deem it unnecessary to allude to but few, 
except in a general way ; and those that I shall particular- 
ize are such as I have used many times with most gratify- 
ing results. 

I have had more uniform success, day in and day out, 
with the black, brown, red, yellow, and gray hackles 
(palmers), than with the winged-flies; though some of 
the latter I have employed with excellent success for high 
or rough waters, and those with light-colored or white 



300 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 






No. 1. Polka. Wo. 2. Coachman. No 3. Hackle. 

No. 4. Bumble Bee. No. 5. Abbey. No. 6. Grizzly King. 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 301 

wings can not be surpassed for twilight-fishing, or for very 
gloomy days. 

The following flies, tied for me by C. F. Orvis, of Man- 
chester, Vermont, expressly for Florida waters, I found 
very taking at suitable times : 

McLeod. — Body, emerald green, with gold twist; tag, 
yellow and red floss ; wrings, dark mottled brown ; tail, 
green drake, with red ibis and mottled yelloAv; hackle, 
yellow ; antennse or feelers, scarlet. 

Imperial. — Body, red, with silver twist; tag, silver; 
tail (whisk), red and white; hackle, black and white; 
wings, large, grayish white, bordered with black ; feelers, 
scarlet. 

Green and Gold. — Body, emerald green, gold twist; 
tag, scarlet ; tail, white and red ; hackle, yellow ; wings, 
olive green. 

La Belle. — Body, pearly blue, silver twist; tag, red 
and gold; hackle, blue; wings, pure white; tail, red and 
white. 

White and Ibis. — Body, j^carl, gold tinsel; tag, peacock 
herl ; tail, red and white ; wings, white and scarlet ; tag, 
red ; hackle, white and scarlet. 

Roycd Coachman. — Body, scarlet, and peacock herl ; tail, 
pin-tail duck ; hackle, brown ; wings, white. 

Mr. Orvis also tied the next two flies, from patterns 
furnished by myself, and which have for years been 
favorite flies with me, when Avinged flies are at all ad- 
missible. As I am the originator of them, I have named 
them Oriole and Polka. They are totally unlike any 
thing in nature or art, but the Bass seem fond of them, 
nevertheless. The Polka has some general resemblance to 
the Abbev. 



302 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 





Ijarge and Small Bass Flies. 
(A. B. yhipley & Son.) 





Bass Flies on Edgar's Barbless Hooks. 
(Wm. Mills & Son.) 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 303 

Oriole. — Body, black, with gold tinsel; hackle, large, 
and black; wings, bright yellow; tail, mixed black, and 
white. 

Polka. — Body, scarlet, gold twist; hackle, red; wings, 
black with white spots (guinea hen or woodpecker) ; tail, 
brown and white, mixed. 

The flies which follow are part of an assortment tied 
by Abbey & Imbrie, and have been remarkably and un- 
usually successful with me, whenever winged flies were 
called for: 

Professor. — Body, yellow; hackle (legs), golden brown; 
tail, scarlet ibis; wings, yellow, mottled. 

Queen of the Water. — Body, dark yellow, gold tinsel ; 
hackle, red ; wings, mallard, mottled. 

Grizzly King. — Body, green; hackle, gray; tail, red; 
wings, pin-tail duck or mallard. 

Soldier. — Body, scarlet ; hackle, red ; wings, gray. 

Montreal. — Body, red; hackle, scarlet; wings, wild 
turkey. 

Governor Alvord. — Body, peacock herl; hackle, red ; tail, 
red ibis ; under wings, brown, upper wings, drab. 

Seih Green. — Body, green, with yellow stripe ; hackle, 
red; wings, brown (woodcock). 

Abbey. — Body, scarlet, gold twist ; hackle, red ; tail, 
golden pheasant ; wings, pin-tail duck. 

Ferguson. — Body, yellow, gold twist ; hackle, green ; 
tail, peacock, yellow and scarlet ; wings, yellow and 
scarlet, and wild turkey. 

Kingdom. — Body, white, striped with green; hackle, 
red ; wings, woodcock (brown). 

Gold Spinner. — Body, orange, gold tinsel ; hackle, light 
red ; wings, gray. 



304 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Captain. — Body, gray, and peacock licrl ; hackle, red; 
tail, scarlet, green and wood-duck ; Avings, gray. 

Ibis. — Body, scarlet mohair, silver twist; tail, hackle, 
and wings of the red ibis. 

The following flies are also good ones, some being great 
favorites Avith certain anglers : 

Reuben Wood. — Body, white, with red head ; hackle, 
brown ; wings and tail, rayed feathers of mallard. 

Dr. Foioler. — Body, white; tail, scarlet; hackle, scarlet 
and white ; wings, red ibis and white. 

Green Drake. — Body, white, ribbed with black; hackle, 
ginger; tail, dark; wings, mottled green and yellow. 

Gray Drake, — Body, dark gray ; hackle, gray ; tail, 
dark; Avings, gray (mallard). 

Brown Drake. — Body, golden brown ; hackle, brown ; 
tail, dark brown ; wings, golden brown. 

HoJbcrton. — Body, orange, gold tinsel; hackle, peacock 
herl and scarlet; tail, wood-duck and scarlet; under 
wings, red ibis and yellow ; upper wings, peacock and 
wood-duck. 

Shoemaker. — Body, alternate rings of salmon and 
gray ; hackle, light red ; tail, wood-duck ; Avings, mallard 

(gi-ay). 

Suj)erior. — Body, dark claret; hackle, brown; tail, blue 
macaAV ; Avings, Avild turkey. 

General Hooker. — Body, alternate yellow and green 
rings ; hackle, red ; tail, wood-duck ; Avings, tail feathers 
of ruffed grouse. 

Quaker. — Body, gray ; hackle, yelloAV ; Avings, horned 
OAvl's Aving. 

King of the Water. — Body, scarlet, gold tinsel ; hackle, 
red ; Avings, bright mottled, mallard. 



ARTIFICIAL FLIES. 305 

Green 3IanUc. — Body and hackle, bright green ; wings 
and tail, mottled, mallard. 

HenfthaU. — Body, peacock herl ; hackle, white hairs from 
deer's tail; tail, two or three long fibers of peacock-tail 
feathers; wdngs, light drab (dove). 

Oconomowoc. — Body, creamy yellow ; hackle, white and 
dun (deer's tail); tail, ginger; wings, cinnamon (wood- 
cock). 

The White Moths, or Millers, are excellent flies for moon- 
light evenings, or at dusk. They may be pure white, or 
all white with yellow body, or all white with gray wings. 
The bodies should be made full and fluffy. 

The hackles, or palmers, are made with various-hued 
bodies, as black, green, red, or yellow, or peacock herl, 
with either black, red, brown, yellow or gray legs. A 
pure white hackle is very killing about dark. A most 
excellent hackle is made from the hairs of a deer's tail, 
somewhat in the fashion of the "• bob," so extensively used 
in Florida and Texas. 

The three "typical" hackles of Mr. H. Cholmondely- 
Pennell, and which he uses to the exclusion of all other 
flies, are described as follows: 

Green. — Dark-green body ; very dark-green hackle for 
both legs and whisk. 

Brown. — Body, dark orange; fiery or cinnamon-brown 
hackle for legs and whisk. 

Yclloio. — Body, golden yellow; darkish golden-olive 
hackle for legs and whisk. 

These flies are admirable for Black Bass, however they 
may be for Trout, and the angler Avho carries but a lim- 
ited assortment in his fly-hook should include these "hack- 
les," in various sizes; they will not disappoint him. 
26 



306 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

As I have described quite enough for the beginner, and, 
perhaps, too many, I will only allude to some by name, 
which will often be found equal to the above, and, for 
some waters, superior : 

Biuuble Bee, Jungle Cock, Hoskins, California, Moose- 
head, Widow, Academy, Blue Jay, Page, Yellow Sally, 
Blue and Drab, Pheasant, Baven, Claret, Tippulium, 
Davis, Tanner, White and Green, Motley, Premier, Black 
and Tan, Black and Gold, Purple Bass, Fire Fly, Little 
Egg, Gray Coflin, Brown Coflin, Sand Fly, Stone Fly, 
Hawthorn, Dark Mackerel, etc., etc. 

It will be seen that the angler has quite an extensive 
list to choose from, for most of the flies named are kept in 
stock by our best dealers. As a rule, the smallest bass- 
flies should be selected for general Ashing; and tlTose of 
subdued tints will be found the most successful, saving on 
the exceptional occasions already referred to. As has 
been already mentioned, most of the flies named are pat- 
terned after trout-flies of the same names; and, while 
some of the latter are large enough, quite a number are 
too small, and must be enlarged somewhat for bass-flies. 

But there are flies, and enough, to suit those of every 

taste, even should the angler be so fastidious and dainty as 

" Ye Sunberry Fisher," as described by Punch : 

"Ye Sunberrye fysher has flies of all feathers, 
For all sorts of seasons, in all sorts of weathers. 
Flies when ye Springtide is blustrie and showerie, 
Flies when ye Summer is grassie and bowerie, 
Flies when ye Autumn is golden and grainie. 
For hot weather, cold weather, mistie, or rainie. ' 

Red-spinner, palmer, black peacock and gray, 
Yellow dun, golden dun, March brown, and May, 
Sand-liy and stone-fly, and alder and gnat. 
Black midge and marlow bug — all round his hat." 



CHAPTER XV. 

ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 

"And therefore I have, which I will sliow to you, an artificial minnow that 
will catch Trout as well as an artificial fly ; and it was made by a handsome 
woman that had a fine hand, and a live minnow lying by her."— Izaak 
Walton. 

Trolling-Baits — Spoon-Baits. 

The most eommonly-used trolling-bait for Black Bass 
is the spoon-bait or trolling-spoon. It is now made of 
all shapes, and many sizes ; but all are made upon the 
same general principle, and are merely variations of the 
original trolling-spoon, which was fashioned like the 
bowl of a spoon, a single hook being soldered to one end, 
and a hole drilled in the other end for attaching the line. 

By trailing or trolling such a spoon at the end of a 
line from a moving boat, it revolves gracefully beneath the 
surface of the water, the burnished surfaces flashing at each 
revolution, and proves cpiite an effective lure. 

Manufacturers vie with each other in producing novel 
shapes and so-called improvements, but there is nothing 
better than the original spoon-bowl with a single hook. 
The double and triple hooks, usually attached to the mod- 
ern spoons, are liable to be crushed and broken by the 
jaws of a large fish, if hooked in a position favorable to 
this contingency. 

Trolling-spoons are all made with a concave and a con- 
vex surface ; the latter surface being brightly polished or 

(307) 



308 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 309 

burnished, while the former is generally painted, and usu- 
ally of a red color. They are made of tin or brass, and 
often plated with nickel, silver or gold; but so long as 
spoon-baits are brightly burnish'od, it matters not what 
the material is, for the Black Bass is not a judge of 
metals, but will grab at any tiling bright and in mo- 
tion. 

The depending hook or hooks may be plain, or dressed 
with a tuft of feathers or braid, called, by courtesy, a 
"fly;" but these fanciful additions, while pleasing to the 
angler's eye, do not enhance the "taking" qualities of 
the lure, for it is the flashing and glancing of the revolv- 
ing spoon that attracts the fish; and it can not be made 
more effective by these ornamental appendages, or, as I 
have sometimes seen, by the addition of a live minnow, 
or a strip of fat pork! 

One or two brass swivels should always be attached to 
the spoon-bait or line, to prevent twisting or kinking. 
Particular, attention should be paid to the hooks of troll- 
ing-spoons, for many of thein are of inferior quality, 
though the American spoons are, as a rule, furnished 
with better hooks than the English baits of the same 
grades. 

As a rule, most persons use too large spoons 'for Black 
Bass, using generally Pickerel baits. For the Bhick Bass, 
the spoon should be no larger than the bowl of an ordinary 
sized tea-spoon, for trolling with the hand-line; and when 
trolling with the rod, they should be still smaller. 

Abbey & Imbrie's new Fluted Spoon-Bait is a very 
finely finished and attractive bait ; it is of the same shape 
as the original spoon, but with a fluted section, which adds 
very much to its attractiveness when spinning; the hooks 



310 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 





Trolling-Spoons for Hand-line, 
(J. H. Mann.) 

1. Oval. 2. Perfect Kevolving. 



fniiv 



, J H MAIIM 



3. Kidneyo 



ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 



311 






Spoons for Rod Trolling. 

(J. H. Mann.) 

1 and 2. Egg. 3 and 4. Kidney, 



312 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

are of good quality and reliable. It is made in a number 
of sizes for different species of fish ; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 are 
the best sizes for Black Bass. This firm also manufactures 
a spoon of shell or mother-of-pearl, which is a beautiful 
and effective bait, almost too pretty to use for such a pur- 
pose. The proper sizes to employ are those which corre- 
spond with the sizes above given, of their fluted spoon, 
viz: Nos.* 2, 3, and 4. They also make Skittering Spoons 
of both pearl and metal. 

J. H. Mann, of Syracuse, New York, manufactures a 
line of superior trolling baits ; the best grades are carefully 
finished and thoroughly reliable, with good hooks attached. 
For hand trolling, liis Perfect Revolving Spoon, No. 20, 
with controlling link; Oval, No. 16; Kidney Shape, No. 
6| ; and Egg, No. 3|, are all good baits. For rod trolling, 
his Trout Spoons, Egg, No. 1; Kidney, Nos. 2 and 3, are 
all that can be desired. 

The Improved Trolling Spoons of L. S. Hill & Co., 
Grand Rapids, Michigan, are articles of real merit. They 
are made in the semblance of a minnow, the spoon being 
supported by a spiral spring, held in position by a " U " 
shaped guide, and readily yields to pressure. It finds its 
proper circle according to the speed given it, and revolv- 
ing cither way prevents the line from twisting so much as 
with some other spoons. Nos. 1 and 1| are the proper 
sizes for Black Bass. 

Other trolling-spoons or baits are made in fanciful shapes, 
and variously styled minnows, propellers, spinners, etc., 
but are no better, and many of them not so good as those 
above mentioned ; for the nearer a spinning spoon-bait 
approaches the original spoon, already referred to, the 
more practical and useful it becomes. 



ARTIFICIAL BAITS. 



313 




Pearl Minnow. 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 





Hill's Improved Trolling Baits. 
(L. S. Hill & Co.) 



27 



314 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Flexible Protean Minnow. 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 




Arcificial Flexible Minnow, 
(Conroy, Bissett & Mallesou.) 




N9 1. 

Caledonian Minnow. 
(Chas. F. Orvis.) 




Jointed Metal Minnow. 
(Abbey & Imbrie.) 



artificial baits. 315 

Artificial Minnows. 

Artificial minnoAvs for trolling, spinning, or casting, are 
made of metal, glass, and rubber, large and small, and 
gilded, silvered, or painted in attractive ways. Some of 
them are quite successful as baits, while others are com- 
paratively worthless. They are made both in our own 
country and in England, and as their numbers, and styles, 
and forms are constantly increasing, I do not deem it ad- 
visable to particularize or give special descriptions. 
While I have experimented with many of them, I do not 
employ them in angling for the Black Bass. 

For trolling or spinning, none of them are so effective 
as the spoon-baits ; while for casting, they are not to be 
compared with the natural minnow, alive or dead. I will 
merely name some of those that are best known, and more 
generally used : Caledonian, Phantom, Flexible, Jointed, 
Devon, Protean, Shadow, Pectoral, Unique, Professor, 
Metal, Glass, Pearl, Silver, and Gilt minnows, and the 
Dace, Gudgeon, Trout, and Kill Devil. 

Artificial Insects, etc. 

Artificial insects, as bees, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, 
May-flies, dragon-flies, and likewise artificial frogs, craw- 
fish, hegramites, shrimps, worms, etc., are now made which 
resemble the original creatures very closely. They are to 
be used in surface fishing, in the same way as artificial flies, 
and must be kept in constant motion, otherwise the Bass 
soon discover the deception ; but if skillfully used, they 
are often quite successful baits. They certainly have the 
recommendation of cleanliness and general convenience as 
compared with their original prototypes. 



316 



BOOK OP THE BLACK BASS. 




Artificial Helgramite. 
(Couroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 





Artificial Insects, 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 




Artificial Crawfish. 
(Couroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



artificial baits. 317 

The Bob. 

Of all baits or lures used in Black Bass angling, one of 
the rudest in structure, the most nondescript in appearance, 
yet one of the most effective and killing in actual practice, 
is the " bob " of the extreme Soutliern States. 

It has been in use in Florida for more than a century, 
and was first described by that quaint old naturalist, Bar- 
tram, in 1764. His description and method of using it, are 
identical with the "bob" and its use at the present day in 
Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. 

The "bob" is composed of a triple hook, or three hooks 
tied back to back, and invested with a portion of a deer's 
tail, in the manner of a large, bushy, hackle ; often inter- 
mixed with red and white feathers, or strips of scarlet 
cloth. It forms a tassel or tuft, somewhat similar to the 
so-called triple hook "fly" attached to most trolling spoons. 



CHAPTER XVL 

NATUEAL BAITS. 

"And, good master, tell me what baits more you remember."— Izaak 
Walton. 

Minnows. 

Among anglers, the term minnow is used to express any 
small fish used for bait, whether adult fish of certain fami- 
lies, or the young of others. But the term properly be- 
longs to the family CYPRiNiDiE, which comprises numer- 
ous genera, and some of the genera are composed of many 
species. 

The most generally diffused species are Luxilis cornutus, 
the common shiner; Se7notilus corporalis, the common 
chub ; and Ceratichthys biguttatis, the horned chub. The 
shiner is, by all odds, the best bait for the Black Bass, be- 
ing quite silvery, as its name implies, and shows well in 
the water. It is not so hardy, or long-lived, on the hook, 
as the chub ; but on account of its white and silvery ap- 
pearance it is especially desirable for turbid or rough water, 
and on cloudy or dark days, though it is, for that matter, 
a good bait at all times. 

The chubs are good bait on bright days with clear and 
still water ; they have rather tough mouths, endure the 
hook well, and are rather more lively than shiners, and on 
these accounts are preferred by many anglers. 

The young of some of the species of Catostomidce (suck- 
(318) 



NATURAL BAITS. 319 

ers), are also very good baits on sunny clays, with clear and 
low water; their tough, leathery, and projecting lips are 
well adapted for the hook. They are quite hardy and 
lively. 

The young of Perca americanq (yellow perch), are ex- 
cellent baits on ponds and lakes, early or late in the 
season ; especially if the spinous dorsal fin be clipped off 
with a sharp knife, or a pair of scissors. They show well 
in the water, and often prove an attractive lure during 
the seasons mentioned. 

As a rule, good-sized minnows should be employed, say 
from three to five inches long. The large minnows are 
livelier, more hardy, and live much longer on the hook 
than the small ones. A half-pound Bass will take the 
largest minnow as easily and as readily as the smallest 
one, so there is no fear of using minnows too large. It is 
true, that at times, the largest Bass seem to take to the 
smallest minnows, but on these exceptional occasions, they 
are off their feed, to a certain extent; for, usually, the 
largest Bass takes the largest minnows. 

In baiting with the minnow, the hook should be entered 
through the lower lip and out through the nostril; if this 
is carefully done, the minnow will live a comparatively 
long time. Sometimes, with small minnows, the hook is 
passed out through the socket of the eye, care being taken 
not to injure the eye-ball. Another excellent way, espe- 
cially with large minnows, is to pass the hook through both 
lips, the lower one first, and out through the upper one. 
When minnows are hooked in either of these ways, a dead 
one is often as good as a live one, for the moving of the 
line causes them to move in a natural manner. Where 
the water is without a current, as on ponds or lakes, and 



320 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

where the minnows are quite small, they may be, for still 
fishing, but under no other circumstances, hooked just 
back of the dorsal fin, and just above the backbone. But 
in hooking a minnow in this way, the angler should bear 
in mind the injunction of Father Izaak, in reference to 
hooking the live frog: use him as though you loved him. 
Chubs and suckers should always be hooked through the 
lips, which are comparatively tough. 

An excellent method for affixing the minnow to the 
hook, in still-fishing — for it will not answer at all for 
casting — and one that will well pay the angler for the extra 
time and trouble involved, is as follows: 

"Take a. piece of cotton thread about a foot long, tie the 
middle of it tight under the barb of the hook ; now take 
the minnow in the left hand, lay the hook on its side, the 
barb up by the shoulder of the bait, with the shaft along 
the belly; now pass the thread over the shoulder and 
around under the fish, and tie the shaft of the hook, then 
pass the thread along the shaft until under and behind the 
back fin, then tie tightly around the shaft of the hook, then 
pass the thread on each side of the fish up to the back, just 
behind the back fin, and tie with a bow knot. This fastens 
the bait securely without hurting it, and you will have as 
lively a bait as ever used for still-fishing." 

The angler can not be too careful of his minnows. The 
water in the bucket should be frequently changed, Avithout 
waiting for them to appear at the surface to breathe — the 
usually accepted indication to change the water — for their 
vitality and strength are already impaired when this takes 
place, and many of them can not be revived afterwards. 
When available, especially in very hot weather, a piece of 
ice should be placed on the top of the minnow pail, and 



NATURAL BAITS. 321 

covered with a woolen cloth. A little salt, added to the 
water in the pail, is very beneficial and adds to the preser- 
vation of minnoNvs. 

It is a good plan, when practicable, to use tsvo minnow- 
buckets, one of which, containing most of the minnows as 
a reserve, should be sunk in the water, and a few minnows 
taken out, as needed, for the bucket in use. In this way 
the entire stock can be utilized in good condition. 

In carrying minnows to any distance, they should not be 
too much crowded in the pail ; fifty minnows is enough for 
a five-gallon bucket. When more than this number is re- 
quired, additional pails should be provided. A handful 
of water-weeds in the pail will prevent the minnows from 
being so much injured, as they otherwise would be, when 
conveyed over rough roads. 

When it is not practicable to allow of a frequent chang- 
ing of the water, the latter may be oxygenized or aerated 
by inserting a rubber, or other tube, well toward the bot- 
tom of the pail, and pumping air through it by means of 
a rubber bulb, such as is attached to a pump-syringe. It 
is worse than useless to blow through such a tube with the 
mouth; for the breath, being deprived of its oxygen in 
the lungs, carbonic acid gas takes it place, which is poi- 
sonous to the minnows; yet I have frequently seen this 
done by individuals, who erroneously supposed that they 
were freshening the water, because of the numerous bub- 
bles produced. 

The Helgiiamite. 

The larva of the horned corydalis (Corydalis cornuta), 
an insect belonging to the order Neuroptera, is variously 



322 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

called " helgramite," " dobson/' " grampus," " dobsell/' 
"hellion," "kill-devil," "crawler," and other euphonious 
names. The male of the perfect, winged-insect has long 
antenn£e, or horns, from which its specific and common 
names are derived. 

It exists for several years in the larval state, when it 
is generally known as the " helgramite," being a curious, 
flattened, and, to most persons, a repulsive-looking worm, 
growing to a length of two or three inches, and about a 
half inch in width. It has a head and pincers resembling, 
somewhat, those of a beetle; has six legs along the thorax; 
while the body is composed of a number of rings, to which 
are attached fringes bearing some likeness to small legs; 
the body terminates in two short appendages, or tails, on 
each of which are two small hooks. The color is a dark, 
dirty, brown. 

The helgramite, by means of its hooks and pincers, 
clings readily and tenaciously to different objects, and 
hides securely under rocks, bowlders, driftwood, logs, etc., 
even in swift-running streams. They may be found cling- 
ing to the decaying timbers of old dams and bridges, and 
in the crevices of submerged stone-work at these places. 
They are found on the "riffles" of streams, under the 
bowlders and flat stones, and may be taken in these situa- 
tions with the minnow-net, by stretching the latter across 
the foot of the riffle; when the stones above the net are' 
turned over, the helgramite, being thus disturbed, curls 
himself into a ball and drifts into the net. 

They can be found, in fact, hiding under almost any 
submerged object in the shallow portions of streams. 
They feed upon decaying wood and vegetation, and other 
substances. They can be kept alive for almost any length 



NATURAL BAITS. 323 

of time, in a vessel half filled with wet pieces of rotten 
wood, and damp aquatic vegetation. In this way the angler 
can always have a ready supply of bait on hand. 

The helgramite is hooked by inserting the point of the 
hook under the cap or shell that covers the neck, from 
behind forward, and bringing it through next to the head. 
It is a capital bait for the Black Bass, especially when the 
Bass are found on the riffles or rapids, and in shallow 
Avater. 

The Crawfish. 

The crawfish (Cambarus), sometimes called crayfish and 
crab, is, in some localities, and at certain seasons, a good 
bait, especially when casting its shell, when it is called a 
''peeler," or a " shedder." The crawfish exists wherever 
the Black Bass is found, in greater or less quantities. In 
waters where it is very abundant it forms an excellent and. 
killing bait. 

"Distinct species live in the mountain streams and in the 
springs at their sources. Some frequent the marshes of 
the lowlands (both the fresh and salt marshes), either near 
the streams, or adjacent to the bays, sounds, or ocean. 
Some occur beneath stones in rivers, creeks, or branches; 
in the muddy basis; beneath stones in the rapids; among 
grass and weeds in more quiet places, and in coves; under 
shelving grassy banks; in holes at the bottom of ponds, 
lakes, dams, and mill-races. Others bore holes in the 
meadows, or even in the hill-tops near water; and in 
bringing up the muxl and clay from their tube-like holes, 
pile it as a chimney at the entrance. These species at 
particular times place a plug of clay in the orifice of the 



324 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

chimney and seal themselves in for a certain length of 
time. Still others reside in the drains and mud of the 
rice-fields and plantations of the South, and sometimes 
burrow through the embankments, allowing the water to 
flood the region." 

The crawfish is used as a bait for the Bhick Bass only 
in still-fishing, when it serves a good purpose. In its 
usual state it should be hooked througli the tail, but 
" peelers " may be hooked through the head or body. 
They may be kept alive a long time in damp aquatic grass, 
moss, or weeds. 

Grasshoppers and Crickets. 

Grasshoppers and crickets are at times very taking baits. 
They should be used as surface baits entirely, and should 
be employed only when a brisk breeze is blowing, and on 
•the windward side of the water; for it is at such times 
that they are blown into the water, and the Bass are then 
on the look out for them. The water, also, being broken 
into ripples by the breeze, enhances the angler's chances 
of success. These insects should be hooked through the 
upper part of the thorax or body, small hooks being used. 

Frogs. 

On marshy streams and ponds, young frogs are some- 
times used for baits, with good success, in still-fishing. 
They may be hooked through the lips, or through the skin 
of the back. They should be of smilll size, and kept in 
pretty constant motion, as they are inclined to bury them- 
selves in the mud, or hide under stones, on the bottom. 



NATURAL BAITS. 325 

or crawl out upon objects on the surface, if left too long 
to their own devices. 

Salt water shrimps, when they can be procured, are 
good baits for Black Bass, alive or pickled, that is, pre- 
served in salt or strong brine. 

I have seen Black Bass caught with cut bait, and even 
the humble " wum ;" but the angler who is reduced to 
such severe straits, is more to be pitied than envied. It 
would be in better taste to offer pork to a Mussulman, or 
pate de fole gras to a tramp. 



326 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Holberton Fly-Book. 

(Uonroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



CHAPTER XVII. 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 



" My rod and my line, my float and jny lead, 

My hook and my plummet, my whetstone and knife, 
My basket, my baits, both living and dead, 

My net and my meat, for that is tiie chief: 
Then I must have thread, and hairs green and small, 
With mine angling-purse, and so you have all." 

— IzAAK Walton. 

The Fly-Book. 



Among the necessary adjuncts to the fly-fisher's outfit 
is the fly-book, whose pages, well-filled, are more interest- 
ing to the angler than the best written pages of classic 
lore, poetry, or fiction. Fly-books are now made of many 
patterns and sizes, and of various grades of quality and 
material. They are constructed of calf-skin, pig-skin, 
Morocco, or Russia-leather, with parchment leaves for 
holding the flies. Those with the " Hyde," or metal-clip, 
for keeping the flies separate and at full length, are the 
best and most satisfactory, for obvious reasons. They are 
made in various lengths, from five to seven inches; and 
of a capacity for holding from three dozen to a gross 
of flies. 

There is nothing neater, better, or more substantial in 
this line than Abbey & Imbrie's "Southside" fly-book. 
It is made of Russia-leather, with strap and patent clasp ; 
has double parchment leaves, well-stitched, and is provided 

(327) 



328 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 





Creel, or Fish-Basket. 
(A. B. .Shipley & Sou.) 




Minnow-Seine. 
(A. B. Shipley & Son.) 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLExMENTS. 329 

with the metal-clip, and two leaves of heavy porous cloth 
for drying wet flies. It is also furnished with large pockets, 
and compartments for leaders, and snelled hooks. It has 
a capacity for one hundred flies, and is made of a uniform 
quality, which is of the highest grade. 

The " Holberton " fly-book, of Conroy, Bissett & Mal- 
leson, is one similar in style and construction, and is a 
first rate article. The ])rice of this book depends on the 
material used in its construction, its capacity for a greater 
or less number of flies, and the length of the book. One 
holding four dozen flies is large enough for all practical 
purposes in Black Bass angling. 

Ceeel, or Fish-Basket. 

For fly-fishing, or bait-fishing, when wading a stream 
or fishing from the bank, a creel is very useful and con- 
venient for holding the angler's catch. Fish are preserved 
in much better shape, condition and appearance by its use, 
and it is altogether more satisfactory than the shiftless 
way of "stringing" the Bass, and allowing them to be- 
come water-soaked and flabby, by immersing the "string" 
in the warm and shallow water near the shore, or even 
by "towing" them after the angler, if wading. 

For Black Bass, the largest Trout-creels will answer 
every purpose ; say Nos. 3 or 4, having a capacity of 
twenty or twenty-five pounds. The shoulder-strap should 
be leather or webbing, with a shoulder-pad, to prevent 
cutting or bruising the shoulder. 

Fish-baskets or creels should always be well washed, 

and carefully dried after use, to keep them clean and 

sweet. When washing them, a little carbonate of soda or 
28 



330 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Folding Canvas Creel. 
(Abbey & Imbrie.) 




Canvas Creel, Folded. 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 331 

carbolic acid should be added to the water to destroy the 
" ancient and fish-like smell." 

A new and very desirable article in this way is the 
" Patent Folding Canvas Creel," devised and made by 
Abbey & Imbrie. It is constructed of water-proof canvas, 
and is capable of being folded into a small and compact 
package. When in use it has flexible ribs for keeping it 
in shape, which are rendered practicable by the light 
metal stretcher, which also serves to fasten down the top. 
Around the lower edge is a row of holes, with brass eye- 
lets, for the purpose of ventilation and drainage. It 
answers the purposes of its construction admirably. Size 
C is best adapted for Black Bass fishing, it being esti- 
mated to hold twenty pounds. 

The Landing-Net. 

For boat fishing, the lan*ding-net should have a long 
handle, which is best when made in two pieces, with a 
strong brass ferrule joint. It should be as light as possible, 
and on this account bamboo cane is the very best material 
for the handle. The rim or ring should be ten or twelve 
inches in diameter, of brass, solid or folding ; the latter 
are the most portable and convenient, and arc made with 
two or more hinge joints. The net should be deep, and 
of a tolerably coarse mesh ; linen is the most durable 
material, though cotton will answer. 

For fishing from the bank, or for wading the stream, a 
short-handled Trout-net is to be preferred, as it is more 
easily carried and answers every purpose better than the 
long-handled net. Those with oval, wooden rims are the 
lightest, and are as goo^ as any. The long-handled net 



332 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Short-Handled Landing-Net. 
(A. B. Shipley & Sou.) 




Long-Handled Landing-Wet. 

(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 333 

will answer here by using but one joint of the handle. 
There should be a blunt hook, or ring, at the end of the 
handle for attaching to the creel-strap, so as to leave both 
hands free for casting, and playing the fish. 

Minnow-Seines and Nets. 

For catching minnows for bait-fishing, the most expe- 
ditious way is to use a linen or cotton minnow-seine, from 
three to five feet wide, and from five to fifteen feet long. 
These seines can be purchased mounted or unmounted. 
The mountings consist of cork aud lead-lines, with their 
floats and sinkers, and two handles or brails. The mesh 
should be quite fine. 

A very simple and convenient contrivance for the same 
purpose — and much similar to one used by myself — is thus 
described by a gentleman of Baltimore, Maryland, in 
" Forest and Stream : " 

As I hear so many fishermen complaining that they can not get 
a net suitable to catch minnows, that is easily carried, I thought it 
might be of service to the fishing fraternity in general if I were to 
describe a net of my own invention that is easily carried in the 
pocket, can be adjusted in a minute, and has never failed to pro- 
vide me with plenty of minnows. I take a bung or round block of 
wood of two and one-half to three inches in diameter, and bore four 
holes opposite to each other in the edge of it. I then insert a ])iece 
of umbrella-rib, about twelve to fourteen inches long, in each hole. 
The holes must be made deep and small enough for the wire to fit 
tight. The paragon wire is the best. I leave the end of the rib 
that has the little eye in it outside. I then lay the bung and wires 
on a square piece of mosquito-netting, and stretch it and sew it 
firmly at the four corners to the eyes in the ribs. In the center of 
the bung I put a screw-eye, and in the center of the mosquito-net 
sew a piece of string, leaving ends abotit eight inches long. Any 



334 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Patent Adjustable Float. 
(Bradford & Anthony.) 




Brass Box Swivels. 




7 2 3 ij- 5 

Patent Adjustable Sinkers, 
(Bradford & Anthony.) 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS 335 

straight, stiff stick picked up on tlie sliore serves as a handle, being 
made fast to the net by a strong piece of twine tlirough tlie screw- 
eye, and with a piece of bread tied in the net with the string, and 
perhaps a small, flat stone to make it sink, it is ready to catch min- 
nows. They will come over the net for the bread, and when it is 
raised up quickly the resistance of the water causes it to belly, and 
the minnows will not get out. When bait enough has been taken, 
I pull the wires out of the holes, drop the bung into the net, and roll 
it up on the wires. 

Another very simple and effective device for the same 
purpose is thus described by a well-known angler, of 
Nashville, Tennessee, in the "Chicago Field:" 

This simple contrivance astonishes all who see it, because they 
naturally ask the question, how it was that no one ever thought 
of it before? A globe of wire netting split in two, fastened at the 
bottom by hinges, and attached to a stick by strings from the top— 
this is the whole affair, save a small place in the center for bait. 
The two hemispheres are so arranged as to open j^artially from their 
own weight, if allowed to touch bottom; or they can be separated 
by pulling one of the strings above mentioned. As minnows are 
generally found in shallow, clear water, it is easy to see when 
enough have entered the trap, to close and draw it out. This 
invention does away entirely with seining, and the disagi'eeable 
necessity of wading in the water. The pole or stick upon which 
the trap is hung may be made of any desired length, and jointed, 
thus permitting the entire apparatus to be packed in a small space. 
Those of our Nashville anglers who have seen it are of the opinion 
that nothing else will be used for catching minnows, once they be- 
come known. 

Floats, or Corks. 

The float should never be used when it can be dispensed 
with, as it is detrimental to good casting, and is always in 
the way. It becomes necessary, however, in shallow 
streams, where the bottom is covered with snags, roots, 



336 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

weeds and other obstacles, and may be nsed in still-fishing, 
where crawfish, frogs or helgramites are nsed as bait ; but, 
when used, it should be as small as possible, consistent 
with the weight of the sinker required, and should be em- 
ployed for the sole purpose of keeping the hook away from 
the bottom, and not as an object of intense and constant 
observation to indicate a bite. 

An egg-shaped, oval, long or barrel-shaped cork-float 
may be used : or, still better, perhaps, a swan-quill or por- 
cupine-quill float may be employed with advantage, in sit- 
uations referred to above. 

The best of all, however, and the only real improvement 
ever made in fishing-floats, is the "Patent Adjustable En- 
ameled Float." This handy article, instead of the usual 
ring and quill slide, has sj^iral rings of wire at each end 
of the float, for ready attachment or detachment to or from 
the line without removing the bait or hook. The attach- 
ment is made in a moment to any portion of the line; and, 
when attached, can be moved up or down the line at will, 
and will remain stationary wherever placed. These floats 
are hollow, quite light, and well finished. To those an- 
glers who are partial to the use of a float, it is an inven- 
tion of ffreat merit and advantage. 



The Swivel. 

A brass box-swivel should always be employed in bait- 
fishing for Black Bass. It prevents, in a great measure, 
the twisting, kinking and snarling of the line, so annoying 
to the angler. In rod-fishing, the smallest sizes — Nos. 5 
or 6 — are large enough ; and, usually, no additional weight 
or sinker will be required. The line should be made fast 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 337 

to one ring, and the snell of the hook attached to the 
other. In trolling, two swivels can be nsed ^ith advan- 
tage — one attached to the snell of the hook or spinner, 
and the other attached to the line some two or three feet 
above. In trolling with the hand-line, larger swivels may 
be used — as JVos. 2 or 3. Brass swivels should always be 
used, as they do not rust, a strong objection to steel swivels. 
When sinkers are used in addition, they should be attached 
about a foot above the swivel. 

Sinkers. 

Generally, in Black Bass angling, no sinker, in addition 
to the swivel, is necessary, the latter being heavy enough 
to keep the live bait beneath the surface. But there are 
cases and times when the sinker is brought in requisition; 
for example, when tlie minnows used for bait are large and 
strong and keep on the surface, or where the stream is quite 
rapid or current swift. 

When the ordinary ringed-sinker is used without a 
swivel, the line should be tied in one ring, and the snell 
of the hook looped in the other. The smallest-sized 
sinker is usually heavy enough, though sometimes a larger 
size is necessary. Buckshot or small bullets should not be 
used when the oval sinker can be had, as they offer too 
much resistance to the water, and often cause the line to 
twist or kink. 

The "Patent Adjustable Sinker," with spiral rings like 
the adjustable float, is the best form of sinker to use, and 
should take the place of the old-fashioned ringed leads. 
The simplicity and effectiveness of the device by which 

they can be put on and taken off the line, without dis- 

29 



338 



BOOK OP THE BLACK BASS. 




MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 339 

turbing liook or bait, should receive the approval of all an- 
glers, aud render their adoption universal. They insure 
neatness and dispatch, qualities not to be despised in angling. 

Clearing-Eing. 

The hook, in angling, often becomes fast or foul in 
snags, roots, rocks or grass, and frequently is thereby lost 
or broken, to the disgust of the angler. By the employ- 
ment of a clearing-ring the hook can almost invariably be 
easily detached from these obstructions without damage. 
These are rings made expressly for the purpose, composed 
of brass or iron, with a hinge to admit of their being 
readily adjusted to the line. The method of using them 
is as follows : 

The ring is opened at the hinge and the line encircled, 
when the ring is again closed, and allowed to run down 
the line to the point of obstruction ; the weight of the ring 
detaches the hook, when it is drawn up, a hand-line being 
attached to the ring for this purpose. If the hook is very 
firmly fastened to the root or snag, the ring is raised a few 
feet by its cord and allowed to drop suddenly, when its 
weight will usually clear the hook. A very good substi- 
tute for the clearing-ring, and one easily obtained, is the 
ordinary bar of lead, used for making bullets. A hole is 
bored in the flat bar, through which the hand-cord is fast- 
ened. When used, the bar is bent around the fishing-line, 
forming a ring, and is very easily attached or detached. 

Disgorgees. 

Very often a Bass is hooked in the gullet, and some^ 
times in the stomachj though the angler should never 



340 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

allow him to gorge the bait to this extent. It is best to 
strike quickly, so as to hook him in the mouth. In the 
event of the Bass swallowing the hook, is is necessary to 
cut out or tear out the hook, and often at the cost of 
scratching or lacerating the angler's fingers ; and espe- 
cially is this apt to be the case when a Pickerel or Pike- 
perch is thus hooked, their long and sharp teeth being as 
sharp as needles. 

To avoid this unpleasant feature, a disgorger is very 
handy and efficacious. It consists of a stout piece of 
wire, six or eight inches in length, with one end flat- 
tened; in this flat end a notch is filed, with cutting or 
sharp edges, when, by pushing this sharp notch along the 
hook, the latter is easily detached or cut out. 

A very convenient tool is made by Abbey & Imbrie, 
No. 48 Maiden Lane, New York City^ and designed 
especially for this purpose, a cut of which is here pre- 
sented, which explains itself. In addition to the dis- 
gorger, it has a strong, sharp blade, which can be made 
available for many purposes, not the least of which is to 
kill the fish as soon as caught, by severing the spinal cord 
at the junction of the head and body. This should 
always be done by the humane angler, for two good and 
sufficient reasons : It immediately puts an end to the suf- 
fering of the fish, and keeps the flesh firm and in good 
condition. 

Minnow-Pails. 

To the bait-fisher for Black Bass, the proper form of 
bait-can is quite an important item. There are two gen- 
eral styles, one for boat-fishing, and one for stream-fishing. 

The best plan for a minnow-bucket for boat-fishing, and 



MISCELLAJfEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 341 

where a large pail can be utilized, is to have two pails, one 
fitting within the other. This form of pail is generally 
and conveniently made as follows: 

The outer bucket is of heavy tin, and made round, with 
a capacity of from two to five gallons ; a stout wire bail or 
handle is attached, with a wooden or tin hand-piece. The 
inner bucket is also made of tin, to fit somewhat loosely 
in the outer one; but the top of this bucket should be an 
inch below the top of the outer pail. It has an opening, 
fitted with a lid on top, through which the hand can be 
readily inserted ; and has a tin-hasp and loop for fastening 
securely. In addition, there is a flat tin-handle, in the 
form of an arch, on the top of the lid, by which the inner 
pail can be easily lifted out. 

The inner pail is freely perforated on the top, bottom 
and sides, so that, upon raising it, the w^ater leaves it 
rapidly, and a minnow can thus be readily selected. 
Whenever necessary, the inner pail can be taken out, the 
top securely fastened by the hasp and loop, and the pail 
sunk in the water to revive the minnows, while the angler 
is taking his lunch or siesta. Both pails should be well 
painted, inside and out. Sometimes the lower half of the 
inner pail is formed of copper or galvanized iron wire- 
gauze. 

For fishing in a stream, where the angler is a-foot, a much 
smaller and lighter bucket must be used, on the score of por- 
tability and general convenience. In this case, the bucket 
is made single, usually, and of an oblong or oval shape, 
to admit of its being more readily carried. It is fitted 
with a handle or bail, and the top is soldered in, an inch 
or two below the rim of the bucket; and this top only is 
perforated. There is also a lid in the top, which is usually 



342 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




MISCEI-LAXEOUS IMPLEMENTS. , 343 

secured by a bolt of stout wire, A double pail, the iuner 
one being made principally of copper or galvanized iron 
wire-cloth, would be vastly more convenient, without add- 
ing much to the weight. 

The English style of bait-kettle is made single, with 
perforated top, and is formed round but tapering, being 
broad at the bottom, and narrow at the top. Sometimes 
they are made square, with the top formed of woven wire- 
cloth. 

Mr. J. C. Hitchcock, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has 
patented and manufactures a very convenient minnow- 
bucket for boat-fishing. The outside bucket is of heavy 
tin, oval in shape, and is divided into two compartments 
by a central partition. One of these compartments is a 
double-walled refrigerator for holding ice and the angler's 
luncheon, while the other contains an inner minnow- 
bucket composed principally of heavy copper wire gauze; 
there is an attachment for aerating the water, which, with 
the coldness imparted to it by the ice chamber, keeps the 
minnows lively and strong. 

Wading Pants and Stockings. 

Wading pants or stockings, rubber boots or leggins, are 
indispensable to the angler's comfort and well-being in 
stream-fishing, either for fly-fishing or bait-fishing. Rub- 
ber hip-boots have been much used for this purpose, but 
they do not wear well, and are heavy and clumsy. Mack- 
intosh and luster wading-pants and leggins are now fur- 
nished at a moderate price, and are much to be preferred, 
being light and very serviceable. They are made with 
stocking feet, in which case a pair of brogans, or old shoes, 
must be worn, and this is much the best plan for wading. 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



n 




o 

-d 
o 
K 

M 

in 



Leather Rod and Reel Cases. 
(Thomson & Son.) 



MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS. 345 

They are also furnished with boots attached, with cork or 
rubber soles, and are very durable. 

No stream-fisher's outfit is complete without these con- 
veniences, which are now made by the Goodyear Rubber 
Manufacturing Company, perfectly reliable, waterproof, 
and fully equal to the best English goods. The Mackin- 
tosh goods of this Company are formed with a layer of solid 
rubber between two outer layers of stockinet, or other 
light and porous cloth, rendering them light, pliable, proof 
against cracking or breaking, and thoroughly waterproof. 

Rod and Reel Cases. 

Leather cases for the rod and reel are very convenient 
and desirable articles, especially for the angling tourist. 
A good and highly-prized rod or reel should have the best 
care; and a rod, especially, is liable to serious injury when 
protected only by a common canvas cover. 

Thompson & Son, 301 Broadway, New York City, the 
well known manufacturers of sportsmen's goods, make a 
specialty of leather rod and reel cases. They are made of 
heavy bridle leather, with handle, and if required, a pad- 
lock. The rod cases are made to hold one or more rods. 
To the angler who delights in completeness of outfit, I can 
cheerfully recommend these useful articles. They will be 
duly appreciated by any angler who has ever made an ex- 
tended trip to the woods, lakes, or streams by the usual 
- modes of conveyance. 



PART THIRD. 



ANGLING AND FLY-FISHING. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANGLING. 

''You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another belief, that an- 
gling is an art, and you know that art l)etter than others ; and that this truth 
is demonstrated by tlie fruits of that pleasant labor which yon enjoy,— when 
you purpose to give rest to your mind, and divest yourself of your more seri- 
ous business, and (which is ofteu) dedicate a day or two to this recreation."— 
IzAAK Walton. 

In the days of good old Father 'Izaak Walton, angling 
was, as stated by him in the title of his famous book, the 
"contemplative man's recreation." While .this is no less 
true in our own day, the art of angling has extended its 
sphere of usefulness by becoming, not only the recreation 
of the contemplative man, but of the active, stirring, over- 
worked business and professional man, as well. While in 
the comparatively slow-coach days of the quaint Walton 
it was rather a recreation of choice, it has, in this age of 
steam become, in a measure, one of necessity. 

The American idea of rest and recreation seems to have 
been based upon the Mosaic law of resting on the seventh, 
or last day of the week, A man must first gain a com- 
petency, and rest afterwards, even if it took seven times 
seven years to gain the first condition — wealth — for then, 
only, would he be entitled, or in a proper condition to 
enjoy his otium cum dignitate. 

In the rapid race for wealth and distinction, men labor, 
night and day, with mind and muscle, especially during 

(349) 



350 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the seasons of business activity. But too often, alas, they 
labor in vain, and find that the " bubble reputation," or 
the "wealth that sinews bought," has in a moment been 
swept away, after years of toil and anxiety. Or, if they 
make their footing sure, they find, too often, that the re- 
sult has only been attained at the expense of a permanent 
impairment of health, for which the denrly bought treasure 
is but a sorry recompense; and the oft-imagined and fondly 
looked for goal, of a life of peace and quiet and the en- 
joyment of the hard-earned competency, has been realized 
to be one of short continuance, or of long bodily suffering. 

To keep pace with the rapid strides of trade and traffic, 
as much labor is now performed in one day, as was 
formerly done in a week. Consequently, between the 
busy seasons, or " heats," in this race for wealth and place, 
men find it absolutely necessary — not so much from choice, 
as necessity — to rest and recuperate, and build up the ex- 
hausted energies, the tired brain and relaxed muscles, and 
to gird up the loins for renewed efforts. 

The necessity being acknowledged, the question then 
arises : in what way can this rest and recreation of the 
muscular and nervous tissues of the body be best attained ? 
When men think of rest and relaxation, their thoughts 
turn naturally to the woods, to the fields, to running streams 
and quiet lakes, or the sea-shore. If it is simply a Sunday 
stroll, their steps naturally and irresistibly lead them to 
green fields, or the river side ; or a drive along the 
country road with its hedges, and birds, and crossing 
brooks. If it is a day's holiday, it must be a picnic in 
the grand old woods, and near a lake, or stream, or at 
least a babbling rill. The very idea of perfect rest is as- 
sociated with mossy banks and cool sparkling waters. It 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANGLING. 351 

is doubtful if there is a sweeter line in human lan«:ua2:e, or 
one more expressive of perfect bliss, of lasting peace, of 
complete rest, of true happiness, of quiet contentment, than 
that of the Psalmist : " He maketh me to lie down in 
green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters." 

But the question : where can rest be found ? has already 
been answered in the crowds of tired pilgrims — they are 
called pleasure-seekers, but they are looking for rest — who 
are seen each summer-time wending their ways by rail and 
steamer, to the mountains, to the sea-shore, to the Adiron- 
dacks, to the Great Lake region, to the Avilds of Maine 
and Canada, to the charming streams and lakelets of Wis- 
consin, Michigan, and Minnesota, or simply to "the 
country" — any place, in fact, is their Mecca, where may be 
found rest and quiet, green fields, green hills, green trees, 
and clear, cool water. 

Then, the season for angling, coming as it does during 
the midsummer vacation, in the pleasantest weather and 
during the lull in active business matters, presents at once 
the means and the opportunity for enjoyment and rest, for 
recreation and peace. Horace Greeley once said to the 
writer, that he had been for years eagerly looking forward 
to the- time when he could lay down his pen, for a few 
days, and "go a fishing;" but that time never came dur- 
ing his busy life. His dreams of a brief season of what he 
considered the very essence of rest and contentment, were 
never realized — he died a martyr to an overworked brain. 

Rest and recreation to the active mind does not mean 
mere idleness, or as it is more poetically expressed : dolce 
far niente; this, to many, would be more irksome than the 
hardest work. Many men have a horror of going into 
the woods, to the wilderness, to the lakes, or the sea-shore, 



t>52 BOOK OF TPIE BLACK BASS. 

because there is nothing to do, nothing to occupy their 
minds, nothing to save them from ennui after the novelty- 
wears off. The busy, active man can secure rest only by 
diverting the muscular and nervous energies in new and 
unaccustomed channels. This may be accomplished, in a 
measure, by cards, chess, music, reading, etc., as purely 
intellectual recreations; while riding, driving, boating, 
yacthing, archery, shooting, etc., furnish ample means for 
muscular skill and exercise ; but angling brings into play 
both the mental and physical capacities. To be a good 
angler requires good judgment, much patience, rare skill, 
a full share of endurance, and a lively imagination ; the 
latter quality is not absolutely essential, but it helps 
mightily when "luck" is bad, and on it depends the aes- 
thetic and poetical features of the art. 

But the persons who are disposed to " take time " to 
indulge in these or similar recreations, in our country, are 
quite limited. In England, it is considered part of a gen- 
tleman's education to know how to ride, to row, to shoot, 
to sail, and to cast a fly, and he is the better for it, mor- 
ally, physically, and intellectually. In our own country it 
is too often considered " a waste of time " to acquire or 
practice these manly and healthful accomplishments.- Our 
girls may learn music, and dancing, and painting, as means 
and acquirements necessary to the securing of a husband, 
but any attempt on the part of our boys to learn any of 
the manly sports, in a regular and systematic way, must be 
frowned down as opposed to all our ideas of thrift and 
economy, and a gross misuse of " time." What we need 
is more muscular Christianity ; we would then have sounder 
minds in sounder bodies. 

A few weeks taken from the fifty-two composing the 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANGLING. 353 

year, and devoted to angling, shooting, boating, or "camp- 
ing out," would not be missed in the long run from the 
business man's calender, but, on the contrary, would return 
an interest, Avhich, though it could not be computed by 
any rate of per centage, would be sensibly felt and realized 
in a clearer brain, a stronger body, and a better aptitude 
for business. The clergyman would acquire broader views 
of humanity, and preach better sermons. The physician 
would better appreciate, and- oftener prescribe, Nature's 
great remedies, air, sunshine, exercise, and temperance. 
The lawyer's conscience would be enlarged, and his fees 
possibly contracted. The poet's imagination would be 
more vivid ; the artist's skill more pronounced. Nerve 
would keep pace with muscle, and brawn with brain. 

I have purposely avoided any allusion to the Gipsy 
blood inherent in our veins, or the savage traits yet man- 
ifest in our flesh, and their liability to crop out, as evi- 
denced in our love for Nature and Nature's arts. I do 
* not look at it in that light. I claim that the more en- 
lightened and civilized a nation becomes, the more it is 
interested in the works of Nature and her laws; that the 
more progress we make in the arts and sciences, and all the 
achievements of a high state of civilization, and the more 
artificial and advanced we become in our ideas of living — 
the more readily we turn for rest and enjoyment, for rec- 
reation and real pleasure, to the simplicity of Nature's 

resources, 

" Knowing that Nature never did betray 
The heart that loved her." 

Angling is an art, and it is not beneath the dignity of 

any one to engage in it, as a recreation. It is hallowed 

by "Meek Walton's heavenly memory," and has been 
30 



354 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

practiced and commended by some of the best and truest 
and wisest men that ever lived ; for, as Father Izaak says : 
" It is an art, and an art worthy the knowledge and prac- 
tice of a wise man." Did the art of angling require an 
apologist, I could here produce evidence, in precept and 
example, of good and wise men of all ages, from the days 
of the Fishers of Galilee down to the present time, up- 
holding and commending the moral tendencies and the 
healthful influences of the art of angling, and its virtue 
of making men better physically, intellectually, and spirit- 
ually. 

" O, sir, doubt not but that angling is an art," says 
Piscator to Venator, " is it not an art to deceive a Trout 
with an artificial ily? A Trout that is more sharp-sighted 
than any hawk you have named, and more watchful and 
timorous than your high-mettled merlin is bold?" 

Ts it not an art to glide stealthily and softly along the 
bank of a stream to just where the wary Bass or timid 
Trout is watching and waiting, ever on the alert for the 
slightest movement, and keenly alive to each passing 
shadow; to approach him unawares; to cast the feathery 
imitation of an insect lightly and naturally upon the sur- 
face of the water, without a suspicious splash, and without 
disclosing to his observant eyes the shadow of the rod or 
line; to strike the hook into his jaws the instant he un- 
suspectingly takes the clever ruse into his mouth ; to play 
him, and subdue him, and land him successfully and artis- 
tically with a willowy rod and silken line that would not 
sustain half his weight out of the water? Is not this an 
art ? Let the doubter try it. 

" Doubt not, therefore, sir, but that angling is an art," 
says Walton, " and an art worth your learning. The 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANGLING. 355 

question is, rather, whether you be capable of learning 
it?" 

Exactly so, Father Izaak ; the question is, not merely 
"to be or not to be," but whether one is "capable" of 
learning it ; for though any one may become a bait-fisher, 
it is not every one that can learn the fly-fisher's art ; for, 
continues Walton, "he that hopes to be a good angler, 
must not only bring an inquiring, searching, observing 
wit, but he must bring a large measure of hope and 
patience, and a love and propensity to the art itself; but 
Having once got and practiced it, then doubt not but 
angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to 
be, like virtue, a reward to itself." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 

" So I have observed, that if it be a cloudy day, and not extreme cold, let 
the wind sit iu what quarter it will, and do its worst, I heed it not."— Izaak 
Walton. 

To seek to know all tlie conditions, positive and hypo- 
thetical, qualifying and exceptional, which govern the 
" biting " of fish, is about as vain and discouraging a 
pursuit as the search for the philosopher's stone. 

To know, positively, before leaving one's office, counting- 
house, or workshop for a day's outing, that it is the day 
of all others of the season, and that the phase of the moon, 
the conditions of sky and atmosphere, the directiou and 
force of the wind, and the temperature and condition of 
the water are just right to insure success, and to know just 
what bait or fly to use, and in what portion of the stream 
to fish, under these conditions, implies a state of knowl- 
edge that can never be attained by ordinary mortals ; and 
though we are created, " little lower than the angels," it 
involves a pursuit of knowledge under such extreme diffi- 
culties, that even prescience and omniscience are but 
ciphers in the total sum, for it leaves out the most im- 
portant factor in the calculation — the fish itself. 

Yet it is in just this hope of reducing the matter to 
the certainty of a mathematical proposition, that some 
anglers are continually puzzling their own brains, and 
taxing the patience of their angling friends. 
(356) 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 357 

They imagine that fish, somehow, form an exception to 
the rest of the animal creation, and are governed in their 
feeding, or "biting," by certain laws, as unchanging as 
those of the Medes and Persians; and that these immutable 
laws have an outward expression in certain states and 
conditions of weather and water; and that it is only nec- 
essary to ascertain the peculiar combination of wind, 
weather and water, under which fish feed, nolens volcns, 
to be able to effect their capture easily. 

The glorious uncertainty attending the "biting" of fish, 
even at apparently favorable times, has been observed for 
ages, and has invested the gentle art with a glamour, and 
an air of mystery, in which the element of chance, or 
luck, is a prominent feature. The angler wending his way 
homeward is accosted at every turn with the interrogatory 
of, "What luck?" while "fisherman's luck" has become 
an universal synonym of failure. 

Many anglers, in lieu of more cogent reasons, have 
conveniently relegated this whole question to " luck," 
and have ceased to trouble themselves much about it, 
taking the good with the bad, in a spirit of calm phi- 
losophy or in meek submission to the inevitable. 

Even while engaged in "solitary angling, so conducive 
to quiet meditation, the habits and idiosyncrasies of fish 
do not often occupy our thoughts, but other and wholly 
irrelevant themes. And even with all the information 
that can be obtained, by close and careful observation of 
the habits of fishes, and the nature of their surroundings, 
there is still left much to be explained, and some things 
that seem to be beyond our comprehension, which we 
might safely leave to chance or luck, until we understand 
them better. « 



358 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

And perhaps it is best so, for there has ever been a 
delightful uncertainty attending the angler's art, and 
therein lies one ^f its chiefest charms ; for while it stim- 
ulates the angler to renewed effort, it consoles him in 
defeat. The pleasures of anticipation have ever exceeded 
those of fruition, and ever will while " hope springs eternal 
in the human breast." 

The angler spends the evening before his ''day's fish- 
ing" in overhauling his tackle; polishing the ferrules of 
his trusty rod ; oiling his reel ; looking for weak places in 
his line; arranging, lovingly, his leader, hooks and flies; 
and finds enthusiastic enjoyment in the examination of 
his treasures, and in plea,sant rctrosj)ective and prospective 
reveries in connection therewith. 

He retires with contented mind, and an innate conscious- 
ness of unbounded success on the morrow, and dreams of 
arching rod and leaping fish, of mossy banks and mur- 
muring streams, of cool shadows and spicy breezes; and 
when morn hath "with rosy hand unbarr'd the gates of 
light," he sallies forth with buoyant footsteps, his breast 
swelling with fond anticipation, and in that happy and ex- 
pectant state of mind known only to lovers of the angle. 

Perhaps he returns at close of day, weary and footsore, 
and with an almost empty creel ; what matter ? All 
through the lovely day his spirits have never flagged ; his 
last cast was made with even more hope and confidence 
than the first. And even though his creel be empty, 
his heart is filled with the music of the birds, the purl- 
ing of the stream, the fragrance of the flowers, and, above 
all, with love for his Creator; and it has set him thinking 
of that eternal stream of time clothed with everlasting 
groves of never-changing green. 



CONDITIONS A\^HICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 359 

And, then, the day has simply been an "■ unlucky" one 
for fishing ; yesterday was no doubt a " good day/' and 
to-morrow will be better. He finds consolation in ac- 
counting for his '' ill-luck," and can easily see a reason 
for it in some peculiar phase of the water, the wind, or 
the weather. 

Now, wdiile it is not wholly a matter of luck, on one 
hand; and while, on the other, it is useless to expect to 
obtain an invariable law in respect to the "biting" of 
fish, there are many things that we can learn by intelli- 
gent observation. 

It involves no great comprehension of the sciences of 
ichthyology, meteorology, hydrography, entomology and 
botany, as professed by some, nor of the mysteries and 
hocus-pocus of the art as practiced by others; for there 
is often as little reason in the repeated change of a cast 
of flies by the scientific fly-fisher, as in spitting on the 
bait by his liumbler brother; yet both have unbounded 
faith in their respective methods, and probably faith has 
as much to do with successful angling as any one attribute. 

But why do fish eagerly take the bait one day, and 
utterly refuse it the next, when, apparently, all other con- 
ditions are equal? This is a poser, and has baffled ob- 
servant anglers for ages, and will, in all probability, never 
be solved satisfactorily. As a short cut to its solution, it 
might be said, that they were hungry one day, but not so 
the next. Certainly a very reasonable conclusion if it 
were sustained by fact, which it is not, if we judge hun- 
ger by its usual manifestations ; for fish seem to bite best 
on a full stomach, and often refuse the proffered bait on 
an empty one; this fact is patent to all observant anglers, 
and I have proved it in many instances. 



360 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

But let us begin at the beginning. 

The great problem of life with fishes seems to be to eat 
and avoid being eaten. Very well. Now, which is the 
controlling influence in a fish's mind — if he has any, per- 
haps, in deference to authority, we had better call it in- 
stinct — his desire to eat, or his desire of self-preservation? 
Now, right here, may be involved the fundamental prin- 
ciple governing this whole question of a fish's "biting." 

Let us see. That fish can abstain from solid food for 
an indefinite period, procuring some nourishment from the 
water they breathe, as in confinement, during hibernation, 
and during the breeding season, is well known, and needs 
no corroborative evidence here. 

That, when they do feed, and the supply of food is 
abundant, they completely gorge themselves — some even 
ejecting the contents of their stomachs to enjoy the grati- 
fication of refilling them — is also an authenticated fact. 

When their stomachs are thus filled and gorged with 
food, it is reasonable to suppose that, like other preda- 
cious animals, they remain listlessly about their haunts, 
or retire to some secluded retreat, to digest it at their 
leisure; and, during the process of digestion, refuse to 
notice their usual food; for I have frequently observed 
Black Bass remain motionless for hours, except a slight 
movement of the fins, utterly regardless of the schools 
of minnows that were swarming about them, and this at a 
season when they usually " bite " the best. 

Now, this alternate feasting and fasting may be a nec- 
essary habit, to enable fish to meet the exigencies of 
spawning, hibernation (in some), and the vicissitudes of 
the element in which they live, and the abundance or lack 
of food at certain times. 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 361 

Streams are often rendered turbid by heavy rains, and 
lakes and ponds by what is termed " working '' or "blos- 
soming." At such times fish can not see well enough to 
find their food or discern their enemies, and consequently 
lie secure in their hiding-places. When the water be- 
comes clear, they again venture forth to eat and be eaten. 

Then, heavy and continued rains, violent winds, and the 
change of season, aifect the food-supply of fishes, and, con- 
sequently, the fishes themselves. These various causes make 
fish seem capricious in their time and manner of feeding. 

Then, again, while all the conditions may be favorable 
for their feeding, they may be deterred from seeking their 
food by a fear of enemies; and only venture forth when 
the cause of such fear has disappeared, or their qualms of 
stomach overcome their prudence. 

But little can be learned in this respect from fishes that 
are confined in aquaria, or from those that are artificially 
cultivated, for these unnatural conditions presuppose a 
change in their habits. 

We know that fish, in their native waters, are quite 
timid, and ever on the alert for danger — a footstep on 
the bank, or a shadow cast suddenly on the water, will 
cause them to hastily skurry away. 

No food, however tempting, can entice them so long as 
there is an appearance of danger, and their caution is 
then set down as eccentricity. 

Now, all this may, or may not, be ; but it is as reasona- 
ble as any other theory ; and this habit of alternate feast- 
ing and fasting, for a longer or a shorter time, w^ill ex-i 
plain, in some measure, many of the features in regai'd to 
the uncertainty of "biting" in fishes of inland waters. 

As before stated, there is much that can be learned by 
31 



362 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

closely observing the habits of fish, the character of their 
haunts, and the nature and variety of their food ; so as to 
enable the angler to know, so far as can be known, when 
and where to find the fish at certain seasons, or at differ- 
ent stages of the Avater; when they are most inclined to 
"bite;" and to know, approximately, what bait to use. 

This information can be acquired in no other way but 
by j)atient and continued observation ; and, without it, all 
is guess-work. It is just as essential to the angler to 
know where to fish, as to know how. If he has a fair 
knowledge of the habits of game-fish, he can at once 
seek out the most likely places, on lake or stream, by 
seeming intuition. 

Black Bass are found at different localities in the same 
waters, at different seasons, and frequently shift their 
quarters many times during the same season, depending 
on the nature and locality of their food; the influences of 
wind and weather, condition of the water, etc. 

Thus, early in the season, they Avill be found on streams 
in shallow water, just below the rapids, or "riffles," where 
the water is warmest, feeding on helgramites and other 
larvae, Crustacea, minnows, etc. As the water gets warmer, 
they resort to stiller water, under overhanging trees, and 
feed upon the surface when the insects and flies appear. 
Still later, they seek greater depths, adjacent to shelving 
banks, gravelly shoals and rocky ledges, seeking min- 
nows, mollusks, etc. 

They may be found one day in water, say ten feet 
deep, and the very next day be seen in the shallowest 
water near shore. I will mention a striking instance of 
this kind: 

On one occasion, I went in company with a party of 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 363 

expert anglers to Upper ,Nemahbin Lake, near Delaficld, 
"Wisconsin. My companion was Captain B., Chief of Po- 
lice of Milwaukee City ; and he exhibited considerable 
impatience and concern because of the other boats start- 
ing ahead of us over the favorite fishing-ground ; but I 
saw that the three other boats were proceeding. over this 
ground — where, on the preceding day, I had taken a fine 
lot of Bass — without getting so much as "a bite." 

We followed in their wake, casting right and left along 
the edge of the bulrushes, but in vain ; until, finally, 
we reached the end of the line of rushes, at the inlet of 
the lake. Mr. B was discouraged, but I, on the contrary, 
was elated — for I had observed the dorsal fins of numer- 
ous Bass in the shallow water between the rushes and the 
shore ; and I had observed, further, that the Bass were 
feeding on insects and flies which were being blown into 
the water by a brisk wind. 

I proposed fishing back over the same ground to the 
evident disgust of the Captain. But I began casting be- 
tween the bulrushes and the shore, in the shallow water 
under the lee of the bank, and fastened to a large Bass at 
almost the first cast. The Captain followed my lead ; and, 
on arriving at our original starting-point, a few hundred 
yards distant, we had taken fifteen fine Bass. The three 
boats had made the entire circuit of the lake, and the six 
anglers in them, fishing on the usual grounds, had not, 
altogether, taken half as many fish, when they joined us 
for luncheon. 

In lacustrine waters. Black Bass first appear in the 
shallowest portions, where the ^vater is warm, and feed 
upon Crustacea, mollusks, etc., retiring to deeper water as 
the season advances. When the patches of rushes and 



364 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

other aquatic plants are well grown, they will be found 
near them, feeding on the minnows and small fry which 
congregate there. When the ephemeral flies of early 
summer appear, the Bass will then be found where these 
are most numerous; and they, at this time, feed at the 
surface. 

I was once fly-fishing for Bass in the Neenah Channel, 
at the outlet of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. The stream 
was quite swift, with a rocky bottom, and the surface was 
covered with May-flies, upon which the Bass were feed- 
ing. I was enjoying royal sport, using a cast of two 
brown hackles, and frequently fastened a fish to each fly. 

A boat-load of rustic anglers, with tamarack-poles and 
short lines, seeing my success, dropped down abreast of 
me, and anchored within fifty feet of my boat. They 
were using small minnows for bait, with heavy sinkers on 
their lines, which, of course, carried the bait to the bot- 
tom, where were feeding schools of White Bass (Koccus 
clirysops). As I took only Black Bass from the surface, 
they caught nothing but White Bass at the bottom. They 
could not understand it, and I did not enlighten them, 
for I had no desire to see my pet fish "yanked out" by 
tamarack-poles and tow-strings. I left them, shortly, in 
the glory of "snaking out" — as they called it — the un- 
fortunate White Bass, wondering, meanwhile, why they 
could not catch Black Bass like " that other fellow." 

But do we really know any of the conditions favorable 
or unfavorable fi)r angling? We are told that fish will 
not bite when the water is rendered high and turbid by 
freshets; during a thunder-storm, with heavy rain; on 
dark, cold days, with a blustering East wind; and on 
bright, still and hot days, when the water lies unruffled. 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVEEN THE BITING OF FISH. 365 

like a burnished mirror. If this be so, it is extremely 
fortunate, and we can apply the rule of exclusion here, 
and at once dismiss all such occasions from further con- 
sideration ; for I take it for granted that the reader has 
no desire to "go a-fishing" at such times. 

Fortunately, again, the season for angling is during 
pleasant weather, in Spring, Summer and Autumn ; and I 
have always observed that the pleasantest days for the an- 
gler's comfort, were usually the most propitious and suc- 
cessful days for angling. 

It matters little, for bait-fishing, whether the day be 
bright or cloudy, or whether the wind is in the East, West, 
North, or South, so long as it is a pleasant wind, and is 
not too raw and chilly. I have had "good luck" with 
the wind in either quarter, and from a gentle breeze to 
half a gale ; on days that were hot, bright, and cloudless, 
as well as on those that were cloudy and rather cool. 

To be sure, it makes some difference as to the character 
of the waters ; the pleasantest days are best for small 
streams and shallow waters, while the more unlikely days 
would better suit lakes and deep waters ; though in either 
case, the pleasantest days, in all respects, are the best. 

The fish in deep waters are not so easily affected by the 
vicissitudes of weather, as those in waters of shallow depth. 
As exceptional cases I might add that I have had as good 
success with a reefing east wind, or a half-gale from the 
north-west, on lakes of good depth, as at, seemingly, the 
most favorable times. 

Once, on La Belle Lake, at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, I 
went fishing, when the wind was blowing quite fresh from 
the West. I proceeded to the lower end of the lake, some 
three miles, when the wind suddenly hauled around to the 



366 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

north-west, blowing great guns, and causing the "white- 
caps " to roll furiously. It was impossible to make head- 
way against it, so I was compelled to anchor, which I did 
in a bight of bulrushes, in water from ten to twelve feet 
deep, but near a gravelly bar. Here I took, in a little 
'.more than two hours, twenty-five Black Bass, which after- 
wards turned the scales at seventy-five pounds. I have 
always considered this catch as being one of the best I 
ever made. On my return, owing to the high wind and 
heavy sea, it was all I could do to keep my boat from 
swamping. 

On another occasion, on Oconomowoc Lake, I fished at a 
rocky bar, which divided the lake into two portions. The 
wind was blowing a half-gale from the East, and quite 
cool ; the shallow water on the bar was churned and tossed 
into billows of seething foam by the high wind, enabling 
me to fish in water but a foot or two in depth ; and in a 
short time I took nine Bass, the smallest of which weighed 
four pounds. . I was then forced to relinquish my sport, as 
I had " run out " of minnows. 

Again, on Genesee Lake, in the same locality, I once 
made a good catch under peculiar circumstances. On this 
occasion I was "frogging," as this lake, at that time, 
was famous for the quantity and quality of its bull-frogs. 
After spearing a "good mess" of greenbacks, I was stand- 
ing on a sand-bar, which divides the lake into two parts 
during low water, and was idly watching the waves rolling 
up on the bar, which were being driven with great fury 
by a strong south-west wind. I chanced to see several 
Black Bass, evidently feeding in the surf; and I then be- 
gan devising ways and means for their capture. 

Near by, was a water-logged boat, in which I saw a 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 367 

tamarack pole, and, upon investigation, I found that there 
was a short line and hook attached. My plans were soon 
formed. I went to a small hole of water, that I had pre- 
viously observed, which was left after the drying up of the 
outlet of a marsh at the lower end of the lake, and in 
Avhich I had seen a great many small minnows, an inch or 
two long. Dipping up a lot in my handkerchief, I took 
it by the corners and proceeded along the shore, dij)ping 
up water occasionally to keep the bait alive. On the bar 
I scooped a hole in the sand for the bait, filled it with 
water and went to fishing. The novelty of the situation, 
and my curiosity as to the result of the experiment, quieted 
my conscience and justified the employment of such prim- 
itive measures. Baiting the hook, I waded into the surf 
as far as I could with ordinary boots — for, being early in 
the season, the water was quite cold — I was soon pulling 
out the Bass, and took in this manner, with a short pole 
and six feet of line, fifteen splendid Bass. 

In angling, it may be safely accepted as a truism, that 
any wind is better than no wind ; a gale being better than 
a perfectly still day, especially when the water is clear. 
The reason for this is, that the surface of the water being 
agitated and ruffled by the breeze, the fish are not so apt 
to see the angler. 

An east wind is popularly regarded as an unfiworable 
wind for fishing, but it is not necessarily so. The opinion 
is of English origin, for in the humid climate of Great 
Britain an east wind is exceedingly raw, chilly, and disa- 
greeable, and is held to be productive of all manner of 
evils, being particularly dreaded by sufferers from rheuma- 
tism, neuralgia, or gout. The anglers of England, of 
course, share in this common detestation of an east wind, 



368 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

and this prejudice is clearly shown by British writers on 
angling, from whom most of our ideas on fishing were 
formerly derived. 

But it is only after such a wind lias prevailed for several 
days, so as to lower the temperature of inland waters, that 
it, in any way, affects the " biting " of fish. This, no 
doubt, is often the case in Great Britain, and has led to the 
erroneous supposition that an east wind, under any and ail 
circumstances, is most unfavorable for the angler; and this 
idea has, to a great extent, been tacitly accepted to apply 
to our own country as well. 

But unless the fish have an inherited traditionary re- 
membrance of that "remarkable east wind" which divided 
the waters of the Red Sea and enabled Moses and his fol- 
lowers to pass over dry-shod, which causes them to be- 
come suspicious of every east wind that blows, I can not 
conceive how it affects their feeding, except, as stated be- 
fore, when it has been of sufficiently long continuance to 
cool the water. 

Along the Atlantic coast of the United States an east 
wind is generally held to be unpropitious for fishing ; 
but in this case post hoc is mistaken for proj>ter hoc; in 
other words, the effect is mistaken for the cause. After an 
unusually long series of east winds, or easterly gales, the 
tides are much affected thereby, and rise much higher, and 
spread over more extensive surfaces. The fish, as a matter of 
course, take advantage of this state of affairs, and, accord- 
ingly, extend their range in quest of food, being rewai'ded 
by great quantities of Crustacea, mollusks, etc., which be- 
fore were inaccessible on account of the shallow water. 
At such times, the fish are not found on their usual feed- 
ing grounds in the tideways, and hence has arisen the er- 
roneous idea that they do not. feed during an east wind. 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 369 

Many bait-fislicrs have, an abiding faith in the signs of 
the Zodiac in influencing the biting of fish; believing that 
when the " sign " is in the feet (Pisces), and also just before 
and after, encroaching on the domains of the legs (Aquarius), 
and head (Aries), that fish feed better than at other times. 
They, of course, always remember the successful occasions 
at these periods, but soon forget, or imagine some satis- 
factory reason for, the failures; and thus their superstitious 
belief seldom weakens. 

The moon, likewise, is supposed by many to influence 
the feeding offish. In Florida, the opinion is very preva- 
lent among hunters and fishermen, that deer, fish, and 
other animals feed principally when the moon is above the 
horizon, night or day, particularly at moon-rise, moon- 
south, and moon-set. This belief also obtains in other 
sections of our country, and the adherents to the theory 
are, withal, so consistent, that their faith can not be shaken 
by repeated failures, and they seldom hunt or fish except 
when the " moon is right." 

While I am not a believer in the theory of the moon's 
influence over terrestrial objects, I am not prepared to say 
that there is nothing whatever in the moon affecting the 
feeding of fish ; for while fish certainly feed much at 
night, they seem to feed more especially on moonlight 
nights. Still, I do not attribute this fact to any influence 
possessed by the moon, beyond the ligh.tit affords, to enable 
the fish to find their prey. I have often observed that 
during the season of full-moon, fish were more apt to be 
^sluggish and ofF their feed during the day time; and this 
I have always attributed to the fact, that they did their 
feeding mostly at nights, at such rimes. Many angl(?rs 
only fish from the last quarter until the new moon. 



370 BOOK OP THE BLACK BASS. 

A perfect day for fishing, might be described as a warm, 
pleasant day, with a balmy, invigorating breeze ; a mellow 
sunlight, not too bright, produced by a somewhat hazy at- 
mosphere, or by drifting clouds ; when the season has 
been neither too wet nor too dry ; such a day as makes it 
a pleasure for one to breathe, and inhale with delight the 
odors and fragrance of forest, field, and stream. 

Not a day that produces a feeling of exquisite languor, 
and disposes to delicious, dreamy reveries, like the stimu- 
lant effect of an opiate ; but a day when the atmosphere 
seems filled with some indescribable aerial stimulant, that 
acts upon the brain, nerves, and circulation like sparkling 
wine ; that rouses the energies and spurs the nerves, pulses, 
and muscles to action ; such a day as makes one desire to 
laugh, to sing, to leap, to caper, to race through the mead- 
ows, to indulge in sudden impulses, in short, to make one 
feel a boy again. 

Such a day, when the water is semi-transparent or trans- 
lucent, and of such a temperature when it is most pleasant 
to bathe in — such a day, I say, is sure to be a satisfactory 
one to the angler, and the fish will be pretty sure to bite. 

On a day such as I have just described, I once made my 
largest catch of Black Bass, though I have always been 
opposed to " big catches," on principle ; for I hold that 
when the sole object in angling is to catch fish as long as 
they will " bite," the proceeding leaves the province of 
sport, and degenerates into- pot-fishing, or, what is worse, 
useless and unjustifiable slaughter; much in the same way 
that, when an unprincipled merchant, during the war, took 
unfair advantage of certain circumstances, and sold goods 
at an advance of five hundred per cent., and who, when 
afterwards boasting of the fine per centage of profit real- 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 371 

ized, was told by a plain-spoken old gentleman tliat the 
transaction passed the limits of per centage, and entered 
the bounds of petit larceny. 

But as an honest confession is good for the soul, I will 
relate the incident referred to : I was fishing in Okauchee 
Lake, Wisconsin, in company with two friends from Cin- 
cinnati, on a really perfect day in July. We had, unfor- 
tunately, a bountiful supply of fine minnows for bait, and 
after we had taken more than enough fish, I proposed to 
stop; but my friends, to whom the experience was new, 
could not be induced to relinquish the exciting sport, so 1 
continued fishing, under protest, and we took during the 
day one hundred and fifty-three Bass, and, with shame do 
I confess it, more than one-half — I am afraid to siiy just 
how many more — fell to my rod. 

In justice, however, but not as a redeeming feature, I 
will state that the fish were not Masted, but a hundred fine 
Bass were packed in ice and expressed to friends in Cin- 
cinnati, and the balance were distributed among the hotels 
of Oconomowoc. 

I always look back upon this circumstance with regret, 
though I have done penance for the transaction, many a 
time and oft, since, by stopping at a dozen Bass, when I 
might have taken twice the number. 

Some anglers tell us that fish will not bite before a rain ; 
others say they will not take a bait during a rain ; and still 
others affirm that it is useless to fish offer a rain. Now, 
while there is a grain of truth in each of these opinions, 
yet if we blindly accept all of them and endeavor to follow 
them, we shall have no further use for our fishing-tackle. 

I do not think that rain, jjcr se, has any influence what- 
ever upon the feeding of fish. It is, of course, impossible 



372 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

for US to judge in this matter by a comparison with terres- 
trial creatures; but, fishes being inhabitants of the watery 
element, it is not reasonable to suppose tiiat a rain makes 
any difference with them at all — at the time — though they 
profit or not, by the subsequent rising aud roiling of the 
water, more or less, according to circumstances. 

The multitudes of insects which arc said to be beaten 
down from the overhanging trees and from the air, into 
the water, during a shower of rain, must be taken cum 
grano sails; for insects, like most other mundane creatures, 
know enough to " come in out of the wet." We really 
find no more insects floating on the water during a rain, 
than at other times, though it is true that many are col- 
lected and swept by rains from the surface of the ground, 
and washed into the streams by swollen brooks and 
branches; but with the insects, go, also, the washings, 
debris, and particles of soil to discolor and thicken the 
streams, so that the fish may really fast in the midst of 
plenty, not being able to see the sudden influx of food by 
reason of the turbidity of the water : and, again, it is doubt- 
ful if fish-feed much on dead insects. 

The fish, however, on the other hand, are enabled to ex- 
tend their range in foraging for food, during seasons of 
high water, when the water has cleared sufficiently to 
allow them to discover it. 

I have noticed that fish usually bite better just before a 
shower ; especially if the weather be murky and warm, and 
I think this can be accounted for in this way : It is gen- 
erally quite calm, for a longer or shorter time previous to 
a summer shower, and the water being still, the fish do 
not bite, as they see the angler too distinctly— and this is 
why some have said that it is not a good time to fish before 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 373 

a rain — but i mmediately preceding the shower, a brisk breeze 
usually springs up, rippling the water, and it is at this 
time that fish seem to become possessed with a sudden im- 
pulse to feed, not on account of the impending rain, how- 
ever, as many suppose, but because the angler is hid from 
view by the ruffling of the water. Sometimes this breeze 
accompanies the rain, and at other times follows the rain, 
and in either case the fish will bite best while the breeze 
continues. "When a shower is followed by a calm, fish, of 
course, will not bite, in clear water, and as this often hap- 
pens, it follows that some anglers hold to the opinion that 
they never bite after a rain. 

I have tried to impress the reader, all through this 
chapter, with the importance of keeping out of sight of the 
fish as much as possible, for herein lies the greatest secret 
of success in angling; and fish will be found to bite better, 
always, when conditions arc such as to favor the screening 
of the angler from their ever-watchful eyes, and, when, at 
the same time, the water is sufficiently clear to enable 
them to discern the bait on or beneath the surface. 

In fly-fishing, especially, must this caution be exercised 
to. its fullest extent, for the casts being necessarily much 
shorter than in bait-fishing, the angler is more liable to be 
seen ; and herein lies the foundation of the opinion, enter- 
tained by many, that Black Bass are more uncertain to 
rise to the fly than the Brook Trout. I hold that Black 
Bass, during the proper season, will rise as readily to the 
fly, under the same conditions, as the Trout. 

But the fact is, that while the Bass is as wary as the 
Trout, he is not so timid. The Trout darts away at the first 
glimpse of the angler, while the Bass will hold his ground, 
though ready to depart unceremoniously when occasion 



374 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

calls, eyeing the angler meanwhile, and entirely ignoring 
his best skill, though he cast his feathery lures never so 
lightly and naturally. The Bass is too knowing to be 
taken in by any such deception so long as he sees the an- 
gler at the other end of the rod ; hence, more caution is 
really necessary in fly-fishing for Black Bass than for the 
Brook Trout. 

In regard to the best time of day for angling, there is 
not much choice, and it is governed a good deal by the 
season of the year, the temperature of the water, and by 
the character of the day itself, though, as a rule, fish are 
sluggish and off their feed during the middle of the day, 
with a bright and warm sun, say from noon until three 
o'clock, except early and late in the season, when the water 
is still cold, when the middle of the day is often the best 
time. 

For bait-fishing, on small streams, the early morning 
hours, about sunrise, are often the best ; though on large 
streams and lakes there is nothing gained by early fishing, 
as the fish do not bite well until the sun is several hours 
high. 

The latter part of the afternoon, until sundown, is often 
the best part of the day for the angler. On cloudy days, 
however, the middle of the day is often the most favorable, 
especially if the weather is rather cool. 

For fly-fishing, the early morning hours succeeding sun- 
rise, and from an hour or two before sunset until dark, or 
wath a nearly full moon, even later, will be found the best 
hours for filling the creel. 

Of course, all of these times must be governed by con- 
ditions of the wind, weather, and water, whether favorable 
or not; for no matter what the hour of the day, it will be 



CONDITIONS WHICH GOVERN THE BITING OF FISH. 375 

the most successful, when other conditions are most favor- 
able, and approach more nearly to the " typical " day for 
angling, as described in this chapter, the most prominent 
features of which are pleasant weather, translucent water, 
and a fresh breeze. 

Thunder, and electrical conditions of the atmosphere, I 
leave out of the account altogether, as we have no means 
of judging of the influence of so subtile an agent as elec- 
tricity on the finny tribe ; nor have I ever observed any 
peculiar effect on fishes from these causes, thoifgh great 
stress is often laid by some anglers on the influence of an 
atmosphere surcharged with electricity, whatever that may 
mean ; but it is no more reasonable to suppose that fishes 
would be disturbed by electrical conditions of the air, than 
terrestrial animals would be inconvenienced or otherwise by 
electric conditions of water. 

But, notwithstanding all of our patient and careful ob- 
servations of the habits of fish, their food and their sur- 
roundings, and our study of the various conditions of 
wind, weather, and water, there will be days and days in 
the experience of every angler, when the fish Avill utterly 
refuse to bite; and this on such days as the most finished, 
practiced, and observant angler would pronounce exceed- 
ingly favorable in every particular. At such times one is 
forcibly reminded of the analogy existing between the will 
of woman and the "biting" of fish, as related in the 
familiar lines : — 

"For if she will, she will, you may depend on't; 
And if she won't, she Avon't; so there's an end on't." 

Every Black Bass angler has seen — where the water was 
clear enough for observation — the Bass seize his minnow 



376 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

through seemingly mere caprice, and, instead of attempting 
to gorge it, wonld take it gingerly by the tail, toy with it, 
and finally eject it, or spit it out, as it ^vere; and this would 
be repeated several times in succession, or until the an- 
gler's patience became exhausted, when, while unjointing 
his rod, he would muse upon the waywardness of fish in 
general, and wonld be convinced that Solomon never went 
a-fishing, or he would have added another item to the 
four things too wonderful for his ken, or at least ha,ve sub- 
stituted " the way of a fish with a bait," for the less puz- 
zling proposition of " the way of a man with a maid." 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH. 

" He is a fish that lurks close all winter ; but is very pleasant and jolly after 
inid-April, and in May, and in tlie hot months."— Izaak Walton. 

Those who have tasted the lotus of Salmon, or Trout 
fishings in that Utopian clime of far away — while reveling 
in its aesthetic atmosphere, and surrounded by a misty halo 
of spray from the waterfall, or enveloped by the filmy 
gauze and iridescent haze of the cascade — have inscribed 
tomes, sang idyls, chanted pseans, and poured out libations 
in honor and praise of the silver-spangled Salmon, or the 
ruby-studded Trout, while it is left to the vulgar horde of 
Black Bass anglers to stand upon the mountain of their 
own doubt and presum])tion, and, with nplifted hands, 
in admiration and awe, gaze with dazed eyes from afar 
upon that forbidden land — that terra incognita — and then, 
having lived in vain, die and leave no sign. 

It is, then, with a spirit of rank heresy in my heart ; 
with smoked glass spectacles on ray nose, to dim the glare 
and glamour of the transcendent shore ; with the scales of 
justice across my shoulder — 31. sabnoides in one scoop and 
31. dolomieu in the other — I pass the barriers and confines 
of the enchanted land, and toss them into a stream tliat 
has been depopulated of even fingerlings, by the dilettanti 
32 (377) 



378 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

of Salmon and Trout fishers; for I would not, even here, 
put Black Bass in a stream inhabited by Salmon or Brook 
Trout. 

While watching the plebeian interlopers sporting in an 
eddy, their bristling spines and emerald sides gleaming in 
the sunshine, I hear an awful voice from the adjacent 
rocks exclaiming: "Fools rush in where angels fear to 
tread ! " Shade of Izaak Walton defend us ! While ap- 
pealing to Father Izaak for protection, I quote his words : 
"Of which, if thou be a severe, sour complexioned man, 
then I here disallow thee to be a competent judge." 

Seriously, most of our notions of game fish and fishing 
are derived from British writers; and as the Salmon and 
the Trout are the only fishes in Great Britain worthy of 
being called game, they, of course, form the themes of 
British writers on game fish. Americans, following the 
lead of our British cousins in this, as we were wont to do 
in all sporting matters, have eulogized the Salmon and 
Brook Trout as the game fish par excellence of America, 
ignoring other fish equally worthy. 

While som(> claim for the Striped Bass a high place in 
the list of game fish, I feel free to assert, that, were the 
Black Bass a native of Great Britain, he would rank fully 
as high, in the estimation of British anglers, as either the 
Trout or the Salmon. I am borne ont in this by the 
opinions of British sportsmen, whose statements have been 
received without question. 

W. H. Herbert (Frank Forester) writing of the Black 
Bass, says : " This is one of the finest of the American 
fresh water fishes ; it is surpassed by none in boldness 
of biting, in fierce and violent resistance when hooked, and 
by a very few only in excellence upon the board." 



THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH 379 

Parker Gilmore ("Ubique") says: "I fear it will be 
almost deemed heresy to place this fish (Black Bass) on 
a par with the Trout; at least, some such idea I had 
when I first heard the two compared; bat I am bold, and 
will go further. I consider he is the superior of the two, 
for he is equally good as an article of food, and much 
stronger and untiring in his efforts to escape when 
hooked." 

In a recent issue of the London "Fishing Gazette" 
(England), Mr. Silk advertises: "Black Bass {Gnjdes 
nigricans), the gamest of American fish. 300 for sale 
(just arrived), length from 3 to 5 inches; 6 months old. 
Price, 10s. (12.25) each." 

Now, while Salmon fishing is, unquestionably, the highest 
branch of pisca^ )rial si)ort ; and while Trout fishing in 
Canada, Maine, and the Lake Superior region justifies all 
the extravagant praise bestowed upon it, I am inclined to 
doubt the judgment and good taste of those anglers who 
snap their fingers in contempt of Black Bass fishing, while 
they will wade a stream strewn with brush and logs, catch 
a few Trout weighing six or eight to the pound, and call 
it the only artistic angling in the world ! While they are 
certainly welcome to their opinion, I think their zeal is 
worthy of a better cause. 

The Black Bass is eminently an American fish, and has 
been said to be representative in his characteristics. He 
has the faculty of asserting himself and making himself 
completely at home wherever placed. He is plucky, game, 
brave and unyielding to the last when hooked. He has 
the arrowy rush and vigor of the Trout, the untiring 
strength and bold leap of the Salmon, while he has a sys- 
tem of fighting tactics peculiarly his own. 



380 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

He will rise to the artificial fly as readily as the Salmon 
or the Brook Trout, under the same conditions; and will 
take the live minnow, or other live bait, under any and 
all circumstances favorable to the taking of any other fish. 
I consider him, inch for inch and pound for pound, the 
gamest fish that swims. The royal Salmon and the 
lordly Trout must yield the palm to a Black Bass of equal 
iveight. 

That he will eventually become the leading game fish 
of America is my oft-expressed opinion and firm belief. 
This result, I think, is inevitable ; if for no other reasons, 
from a force of circumstances occasioned by climatic con- 
ditions and the operation of immutable natural laws, such 
as the gradual drying up, and dwindling away of the small 
Trout streams, and the consequent decrease of Brook Trout, 
both in quality and quantity ; and by the introduction of 
predatory fish in waters where the Trout still exists. 

Another prominent cause of the decline and fall of the 
Brook Trout, is the erection of dams, saw-mills and fac- 
tories upon Trout streams, which, though to be deplored, 
can not be prevented; the march of empire and the 
progress of civilization can not be stayed by the honest, 
though poM'erless, ])rotests of anglers. 

But, while the ultimate fate of the Brook Trout is sealed 
beyond peradventure, we have the satisfaction of knowing, 
that, in the Black Bass we have a fish equally worthy, 
both as to game and edible qualities, and which, at the 
same time, is able to withstand, and defy, many of the 
causes that will, in the end, effect the annihilation and ex- 
tinction of the Brook Trout. 

Mr. Charles Hallock, the well-known author, angler, 
and journalist, says: — 



THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH. 381 

No doubt the Bass is the appointed successor of the Trout : not 
through heritage, nor selection, nor by interloping, but by fore- 
ordination. Truly, it is sad to contemplate, in the not distant 
future, the extinction of a beautiful race of creatures, whose at- 
tributes have been sung by all the poets ; but we regard the 
inevitable with the same calm philosophy with which the astronomer 
watches the burning out of a world, knowing that it will be suc- 
ceeded by a new creation. 

As we mark the soft vari-tinted flush of the Trout disappear Iti 
the eventide, behold the sparkle of the coming Bass as he leaps into 
the morning of his glory ! We hardly know which to admire the 
most — the velvet livery and the charming graces of the departing 
courtier, or the flash of the armor-plates on the advancing warrior. 
No doubt the Bass will prove himself a worthy substitute for his 
predecessor, and a candidate for a full legacy of Jionors. 

No doubt, when every one of the older States shall become as 
densely settled as Great Britain itself, and all the rural aspects of 
the crowded domain resemble the suburban surroundings of our 
Boston ; when every feature of the pastoral landscape shall wear the 
finished appearance of European lands ; and every verdant field 
be closely cropped by lawn-mowers and guarded by hedges ; and 
every purling stream which meanders through it has its water- 
bailiff, we shall still have speckled Trout from which the radiant 
spots have faded, and tasteless flsh, to catch at a dollar per pound 
(as we already have on Long Island), and all the nppurtenances 
and appointments of a genuine English Trouting privilege and a 
genuine English "outing." 

In those future days, not long hence to come, some venerable 
piscator, in whose memory still lingers the joy of fish'ng, the brawl- 
ing stream which tumbled over the rocks in the tangled wildwood, 
and moistened the arbutus and the bunchberries which garnished 
its banks, will totter forth to the velvety edge of some peacefully- 
flowing stream, and having seated himself on a convenient point in 
a revolving easy chair, placed there by his careful attendant, cast 
right and left for the semblance of sport long dead. 

Hosts of liver-fed fish will rush to the signal for their early morn- 
ing meal, and from the center of the boil which follows the fall of 
the handsful thrown in, my piscator of the ancient days will hook a 



382 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

two-pound Trout, and play him hither and yon, from surface to 
bottom, without disturbing the pampered gormands which are 
gorging tliemselves upon the disgusting viands; and wlien he lias 
leisurely brought him to hand at last, and the gillie has scooped 
him with his landing-net, he will feel in his ca'pacious pocket for 
his last trade dollar, and giving his friend the tip, shuffle back to 
his house, and lay aside his rod forever. 

Rev. Myron H. Reed, an enthusiastic angler, who fol- 
lows the example, in a double sense, of those disciples, 
who, being fishermen of the waters, became also fishers 
of men, ventures this prediction : — 

This is probably the last generation of Trout fishers. The chil- 
dren will not be able to find any. Already there are well-trodden 
paths by every stream in Maine, in New York and in Michigan. I 
know of but one river in North America by the side of which you 
will find no paper collar or other evidences of civilization ; it is the 
Nameless River. 

Not that Trout will cease to be. They will be hatched by 
machinery, and raised in ponds, and fattened on chopped liver, and 
grow flabby and lose their spots. The Trout of the restaurant Avill 
not cease to be. He is no more like the Trout of the Avild river 
than the fat and songless reed-bird is like the bobolink. Gross 
feeding and easy pond-life enervate and deprave him. 

The Trout that the children will know only by legend is the gold- 
sprinkled, living arrow of the Whitewater— able to zig-zag up the 
cataract, able to loiter in the rapids— whose dainty meat is the 
glancing butterfly. 

But is the Black Bass worthy to succeed and supersede 
the speckled beauty of the cool mountain streams, as the 
game-fish of American waters ? Let us see — 

Reader, go with me 
This perfect morning in the leafy June, 
To yon pool at the gurgling rapid's foot — 
Approach with caution; let your tread be soft; 



THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH. 383 

Beware the bending bushes on the brink ; 
Touch no branch, nor twig, nor leaf disturb, 
For the finny tribe is wary. 

Rest we here, awhile. 
Behold the scene ! Above — the ripple, 
Spai'kling and dancing in the morning sun. 
At your feet — the blue-eyed violet, shedding 
Sweet perfume, and nodding in the breeze. 
The red-bird, ablaze, and with swelling throat 
Chants loud his song, in yonder thick-set thorn. 
The dreamy, droning hum of insects' wings. 
Mingles with the rustling of the quivering leaves. 
On the gravelly shoal, in the stream, below — 
Sleek, well-fed cattle contented stand. 
Beneath the spreading beech. 

Across the narrow stream, 
Leans a giant sycamore, old and gray, 
With scarr'd arms stretching o'er the silent pool; 
And gnarl'd and twisted roots bared by the wash 
And ripple, for, lo these hundred years. 
The bubbles of the rapid play hide and seek 
Among their arching nooks. 

Beneath those bare roots. 
With watchful eye, proud monarch of the pool, 
A cunning Bass doth lie, on balanced fin, 
In waiting for his prey. 

Now, with supple, 
Yielding rod, and taper'd line of silk; 
With mist-like leader, and two small flies — 
Dark, bushy hackles both— I make a cast. 
With lengthen'd line I quickly cast again. 
And just beneath the tree the twin-like lures 
As light as snow-flakes fall, and gently linger, — 
Half-submerged, — like things of life, obedient still 
To slightest tension of line and rod. 

Look ! Saw you that gleam 
Beneath the flood? A flash — a shadow — 



384 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Then a swirl upon the surface of the pool ? 
My hand responsive to the sudden thrill, 
Strikes in the steel ; the wary Bass is hook'd. 
With light'ning speed he darts away toward his 
Ark of refuge — his lair beneath the roots. 

The singing reel, 
And hissing line, liroclaim him almost there, 
When I " give the butt." The faithful rod, 
In hov.^e-shoe curve, now checks his headlong flight. 
Egad ! he tugs and pulls right lustily ; 
But still the barb is there. The rod now bending 
Like a reed, resists the tight'niug strain, and 
Turns him in his course. 

In curving reaches, 
Back and forth, he darts in conscious strength ; 
Describing arcs and segments in the shadows 
Of the ruffled pool. Ha ! nobly done! 
With a mighty rusli he cleaves the crystal flood, 
And at one bound, full half a fathom in 
The realm above, he takes an atrial flight; 
His fins, extended with bristling points; 
His armor, brightly flashing in the sun ; 
•Shaking, in his rage, his wide-extended jaws, 
To rid him of the hook. 

Gracefully, now, I lower 
The pliant rod, in courtesy to the brave ; 
The line, relieved of steady strain, baflles 
The wily Bass ; the hook holds fast and firm. 
Back he falls with angry splash, to the depths, 
For friendly aid of snag, or stone, or root 
Of tree — for thus, my friend, he oft escapes, 
By fouling line, or hook. But, he never sulks! 
Not he ; while life remains, or strength holds good, 
Plis efforts are unceasing. 

Now up the stream — 
Now down again — I have him well in hand ; 
Reeling in, or giving line ; fast and slow, — 



THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH. 385 

Pligh and low, — the steady strain maintaining; 
The good rod swaying like a rush, as he 
Surges through the Hood. 

Another leap ! 
Ye gods, how brave ! Like a lion shaking 
His shaggy mane, he dives below again. 
Did you mark, my friend, his shrewd intent, 
As he fell across the line? If he then 
Had found it stretched and tense, his escape 
Was surely made. But the tip was lowered; 
And with yielding line, the hook still held him fast. 

Now, truly, friend, he 
Makes a gallant fight ! In air, or water, 
All the same, his spiny crest erect. 
He struggles to the last. No sulking here; 
But like a mettl'd steed, he champs the bit, 
And speeds the best with firm-held, tighten'd, rein. 
Now down the stream, he's off again, like shaft 
From long-bow swiftly sped — his last bold spurt— 
The effort cost him very dear ; his sti-ength 
Is ebbing fast. 

In decreasing circles 
Now he swims, and labors with the tide. 
As I reel the line, he slowly yields. 
And now turns up his breast-plate, snowy white — 
A vanquish'd, conquer'd knight. 

Now, my friend, 
The landing-net; 'neath the surface hold it, 
AVith firm and cautious hand. There, lift him 
Gently out ; and as gently lay him down. 
His bright sides rival the velvet sward, in 
Kich and glossy green. 

See the great rent 
The hook hath made ! How easily 'tis withdrawn! 
You marvel how I held him, safe? By the 
Equal and continued strain of willowy rod, 
And ever faithful reel. 
33 



386 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Valiant, noble Bass ! 
Fit denizen of the brawling stream ! Thy 
Last fight is ended — thy last race is run ! 
Thy once lov'd pool 'neath the sycamore's shade, 
Thy fancied stronghold 'neath its tangled roots. 
Shall know thee no more. 

Place him in thy creel; 
Lay him tenderly on a bed of ferns, 
Crisp, green and cool with sparkling, morning dew- 
A warrior in repose! 



[In the preface I have stated that the reader need not 
look for rhetorical efforts nor poetic descriptions in this 
book, for I make no pretense to a possession of the " di- 
vine afflatus;" it is hardly necessary, therefore, to say 
that the foregoing description of the " Capture of the 
Bass" forms no exception to that statement, for I am 
fully aware that it is faulty both in rhythm and measure. 

The description was originally written as plain prose, 
but it read so much like an affectation, or an attempt to 
be poetical, that I considered it the least evil to put it in 
its present form ; which I did by the changing of less 
than a dozen words. The charitable reader will there- 
fore please regard it, and read it, as plain prose, while 
the hypercritic will please consider the (poetical) feet de- 
veloped rather (as in the case of the Bass) as fins, which 
will place it beyond the pale of critique.] 



CHAPTER XXL 

FLY-FISHING. 

" And now, scholar, my direction for fly-flshing is ended with this shower, 
for it has done raining."— Izaak Walton. 

Artificial fly-fishing is the most legitimate, scien- 
tific and gentlemanly mode of angling, and is to be greatly- 
preferred to all other ways and means of capturing the 
finny tribe. It requires more address, more skill, and a 
better knowledge of the habits of the fish and his sur- 
roundings than any other method. 

Fly-fishing holds the same relation to bait-fishing that 
poetry does to prose ; and, Avhile eacli method will ever 
have its enthusiastic admirers, only he who can skillfully 
handle the comely fly -rod, and deftly cast the delicate fly, 
can truly and fully enjoy the aesthetics of the gentle art. 
As the lover naturally "drops into poetry" to express the 
ardent feelings of his soul, "with a woful ballad made 
to his mistress' eyebrow," so the real lover of nature and 
the finny tribe as naturally takes to fly-fishing, and finds 
liquid poems in gurgling streams, and pastoral idyls in 
leafy woods. 

A friend in Texas, to whom I sent a bass-fly (an Abbey), 
and who had never seen a "fly" before, enthusiastically 
declared it to be " a fish-hook poetized," and thought that 
a " Black Bass .should take it through a love of the beauti- 
ful, if nothing else." Not only the fly, but every imple- 
ment of the fly-fisher's outfit is a materialized poem. 

(887) 



388 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

riy-fishers are usually brain-workers in society. From 
time immemorial the fraternity has embraced many of the 
most honored, intellectual and cultured members of the 
liberal professions and arts. Along the banks of purling 
streams, beneath the shadows of umbrageous trees, or in 
the secluded nooks of char|ning lakes, they have ever 
been found, drinking deep of the invigorating forces of 
nature — giving rest and tone to overtaxed brains and 
wearied nerves — while gracefully wielding the su]>ple rod, 
the invisible leader, and the fairy-like ily. 

Oh! how the sluggish pulses bound, the deadened nerves 
thrill, and the relaxed muscles quicken^ responsive to the 
inspiration of the electric rise of the gamey denizens of the 
stream ; and oh, how the buried forces of life are resur- 
rected, renewed and streDgthened by the hopes, and fears, 
and struggles, of the contest which follows ! And when 
at last the brave beauty has been lovingly deposited in 
the creel, the restored angler feels that he has won a 
double victory ; for, in the death of the fish, he sees re- 
newed life for himself. 

But the true fly-fisher, who practices his art con amove, 
does not delight in big catches, nor revel in undue and 
cruel slaughter. He is ever satisfied with a moderate creel, 
and is content with the scientific and skillful capture of a 
few good fish. The beauties of nature, as revealed in his 
surroundings — the sparkling water, tlie shadow and sun- 
shine, the rustling leaves, the song of birds and hum of 
insects, the health-giving breeze — make up to him a meas- 
ure of true enjoyment, and peace, and thankfulness, that is 
totally unknown to the slaughterer of the innocents, \vhose 
sole ambition is to fill his creel and record his captures by 
scores; and who realizes naught in his surroundings but 



FLY-FISHING. 389 

the hot siin,^Hppery rocks, baffling winds, and the annoy- 
ance of overhanging' trees and bushes. The time is com- 
ing when such an angler will receive, as well as merit, the 
scorn and contempt of all good and true disciples of the 
gentle art. 

RiGGixG THE Cast. 

By a reference to the chapters devoted to the imple- 
ments of angling, the reader will obtain u full description 
of those used in fly-fishing, which are the fly-rod, the click- 
reel, the tapered fly-line, the leader, the fly, the fly-book, 
the creel, the landing-net, and the useful adjuncts, for 
stream-fishing, of wading-pants or stockings; and, by 
referring to the pages on knots, the following directions 
for rigging the cast will be rendered more intelligible : 

A few snelled Sproat or O'Shaughnessy hooks should be 
carried in the fly-book, to use with such natural baits as 
grasshoppers, beetles or dragon -flies, in case the artificial 
fly does not prove successful. They are to be used in the 
same manner as artificial flies. 

The beginner being now provided with all the tools, it 
is in order to put his rod together, attach reel, reel-line, 
aiid cast of flies, and proceed to business. In rigging the 
cast, if the leader is provided with loops at each end, and 
also loops for drop-flies, proceed as follows : To the small 
end of the leader attach the stretcher or tail-fly by passing 
the loop of the leader through the loop of the snell and 
over the fly, then draw together. Three or four feet from 
the tail-fly attach the dropper, or bob-fly, in the same man- 
ner; that is, put the loop of the snell over the loop of the 
leader, and push the fly through the latter loop and draw 
tight; or, if the leader is not furnished with loops for this 



390 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

purpose, slip a knot of the leader (about three or four feet 
from the tail-fly) apart, and, after making a round knot in 
the end of the snell of the fly, put it through the opened 
knot of the leader and draw together; this will hold firm, 
and the dropper-fly will stand at right angles from the 
leader. 

If, however, the gut-lengths of the leader are tied by 
hard, close knots, instead of the slip-knot or double 
water-knot, then the snell of the dropper must be attached 
close to and above a knot of the leader, by a single knot 
or half-hitch, a round knot having previously been made 
in the end of the snell, to prevent the half-hitch from 
Avorking loose ; this is probably as good and safe a way as 
any. 

The cast is now ready, for I do not advise the use of 
more than two flies. If, however, the angler wishes to 
employ three, the third fly, or second dropper, must be 
attached three feet above the first dropper, and, in this 
case, the leader should be nine feet long. But the begin- 
ner will have all he can attend to with a six-feet leader 
and two flies. The leader having been previously straight- 
ened by soaking in water, or rubbing with India-rubber 
(the former method is to be preferred), and attached to the 
reel-line, the angler is now armed and equipped as the law 
directs, and ready for 

Casting the Fly. 

Casting the artificial fly is performed by two principal 
motions, a backward and a forward one. The former is 
to throw the flies behind the angler, and the latter is to 
project them forward and beyond. That is all there is 



FLY-FISHING. 391 

in it. These are the main principles involved, and the 
first or backward motion is merely preparatory to the 
second or forward one, the latter being the most im- 
portant. 

Bnt the style and manner of making these two motions 
are all-important; for upon the correct, skillfid, and, I 
might say, scientific performance of them, depends the 
success of the angler. The main objects of the two mo- 
tions are, first, to get the line and cast behind the angler 
in a straight line, without lapping or kinking ; and, sec- 
ond, to project the line forward without snapping off the 
tail-fly, casting it perfectly straight, without confusion, and 
causing the flies to alight before the line, without a splash, 
and as lightly as the natural insect dropping into the water. 
This can only be done by the novice, with a short line, 
about the length of his rod, and he should not attempt a 
longer cast until he is perfect in this. When he can lay 
out his short line perfectly straight before him, without a 
splash, every time, he can then venture further. 

But we are getting along too fast; we must go back to 
first ])rinciples — the two motions. 

The backward and forward movements are each made 
in about the same length of time, but while the former is 
a single movement, the latter is a double one ; that is, it is 
divided into two motions, or parts ; though these two for- 
ward motions are made in the same length of time as the 
backward movement. 

J will now try to explain these movements more ex- 
plicitly, with the aid of the annexed cuts and diagrams. 

The prospective fly-fisher having his rod, reel and cast 
in readiness, stands near the bank of the stream, with a 
clear space of fifteen or twenty feet behind him. Having 



392 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




FLY-FISHIX(J. 393 

the line about the length of liis rod, to begin with, he 
takes the hook of the tail-fly between his left thumb and 
forefinger and stretches the line taut; then, by waving 
the rod slightly baclcAvard over the left shonlder, and at 
the same time releasing his hold of the tail-fly, the line 
straightens ont behind him, the right elbow meantime 
being held close to the body, as the backward movement 
is made with the wrist and forearm entirely. The position 
of the right hand during this portion of the cast is with 
said hand grasping the rod just above the reel (the reel 
being at the extreme butt, and on the under side of the 
rod), and with the reel and palm of the hand toward the 
angler, the thumb looking toward his right shoulder (see 
figure 1). 

" When the line and leader are on a straight line behind 
him, which the beginner must learn to judge and time ex- 
actly, without looking behind him, he brings the rod for- 
ward wnth a gradually increasing rate of speed, until the 
rod is slightly in advance of him, say at an angle of fifteen 
degrees off the perpendicular; then, for the first time, the 
right elbow leaves the body, and, at the same time, the 
rod is turned in the hand in the opposite direction (see 
figiu-e 2) ; that is, with the back of the hand toward tiie 
angler, so that, at the end of the cast, the reel is below the 
rod, while the back of the hand is upward, and, without 
stopping the motion of the rod, the right arm is projected 
forward to its full extent, and on a line with the shoulder 
(see figure 3). This is the second part or motion of the 
forward movement, and consists in merely following the 
direction of the flies witli the tip of the rod, so as to ease 
their rapid flight, and allow them to descend without con- 
fusion, and to settle upon the water noiselessly, and with- 



394 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

out a splash. Thus we see that the backward movement 
is in one time and one motion, and the forward movement 
in one time and two motions, as the military have it, or 
according to the following formula of time : 

1. ^ = 2. („) J (6) ; 

No. 1 represents the backward throw, in one motion, in 
the time of a half note. No. 2 represents the forward 
cast, in one time and two motions, a and b, in the time 
of two quarter notes. This is not to be understood as 
fishing by note, but the relative time of making the dif- 
ferent motions in casting the fly approaches very nearly 
that of the formula given. This is better explained by a 
reference to the foregoing cuts; where figure 1 repre- 
sents the backward throw, and figure 2 represents the 
first part or motion (c/), and figure 3 the second part or mo- 
tion (6), of the forward cast. 

Sometimes these movements are made straight back- 
ward and forward over either shoulder, or over the head; 
but the best Avay is to make the backward movement over 
the left shoulder, and the forward over the right shoulder, 
the line thus describing an oval or parabola. By this 
method the flies are not so apt to be whipped ofl", and it is, 
withal, more graceful, more en regie. 

The following diagram represents the arcs described by 
the tip of the rod and the flies : 



^f' 



FLY-FISHING. 395 

is supposed to be the angler, and, as wc are looking 
down upon him from above, it represents his hat. The 
dark line, a b c, is the curve described by the tip of the 
I'od in the backward and forward movements of the cast — 
back over the left shoulder, and forward over the right; 
while the dotted curved line, d e f, is the approximate arc 
described by the tail-fly, leaving the water at d, and alight- 
ing, by a lengthened cast, at /. 

By studying these diagrams in connection with the in- 
structions given, the theory and mechanical principles will 
soon be mastered by the novice. He should then, by as- 
siduous and ])atient endeavor, make a practical ap])lication 
of these principles, and become tolerably proficient in cast- 
ing the fly, before he attemj^ts to venture near the haunts 
of the Bass. 

But various ways of casting come into play at certain 
times, and under peculiar circumstances; and the rod will 
be held more or less to one side or the other, or more ver- 
tically, as particular circumstances or emergencies demand. 
For the novice must remember that there are trees and 
bushes, and rocks and winds, to contend with in fly-fish- 
ing; and, moreover, as h(! becomes proficient, he will 
choose his own style of casting, for no two anglers cast 
the fly exactly alike. 

However, all methods of overhead casting are but varia- 
tions or modifications of the mode just described; and 
the particular circumstances calling lor them will natu- 
rally suggest their necessity, use, or advantages to the 
angler as he becomes more expert, and gains in knowl- 
edge by practical experience. It is hardly necessary, 
therefore, or even advisable, to allude more particularly 
to other ways of overhead casting, as it would, in my 



396 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

opinion, tend more to confuse than to enlighten the be-- 
ginner. 

Then there is the sidewise cast, Avhcre the line is not 
thrown behind the angler at all, but to one side or the 
other. This style of casting is practiced with a short 
line, on very narrow waters, or where the banks of the 
stream are thickly clothed with tall grass or bushes, and 
where there is not sufficient clear space for throwing the 
line behind the angler. 

In this mode of casting, the angler, instead of facing 
the stream, turns one side or the other toward the water, 
and casts by throwing the line landward, over the grass or 
bushes, to the right or left, as the case may be ; and, when 
the line has unfolded in a straight line, to cast toward the 
water by an opposite sidewise cast. In all other respects, 
the management of the cast must approach, as nearly as 
possible, the regular overhead cast. 

Another method of casting that occasionally comes into 
play is "switching." This mode is very useful where 
high banks, trees or bushes render the overhead and side- 
wise cast impracticable ; though it admits of but a very 
short line being used, shorter than in the sidewise cast. 

Switching is performed by raising the arm and rod to 
their fullest extent, vertically, thus drawing the flies close 
to, and in front of, the angler; then, by a quick, smart, 
circling motion of the rod, the flies are projected forward, 
or laterally, as the angler may wish. The forward motion 
is much like striking with a whip or switch, and is more 
easily imagined than described. 

We will now presume that the tyro has perfected him- 
self in casting a short line, and can throw his tail-fly into 
his hat nearly every time at a distance of fifteen feet ; and 



FLY-FISHING. 397 

right here let me say, beware of the angling brag who 
declares that he can cast his tail-fly into a glass of Avater 
at fifty feet every time ! It can't be done. Also fight 
shy of the lonon-rano-e fisher who insists that he can cast 
a hundred feet with ease ! It can't be done. The long- 
est cast, with a single-handed rod. I ever saw, without 
"loaded" flies, was eighty-one feet, and I believe the 
longest on record is Seth Green's eighty-six feet; while 
at the last (1880) tournament held by the New York State 
Sportsman's Association, seventy feet won the first prize. 
When the beginner can cast his fly into his hat, eight 
times out of ten, at forty feet, he is a fly-fisher; and, so 
far as casting is concerned, a good one. 

But let us go back to our tyro, who has now become 
proficient with the short line, for it is time to lengthen 
his cast, which is done in this way : After casting and rov- 
ing his flies on the" surface by zigzag, jerky motions, to the 
left or right, and without provoking a rise, he pulls off 
from the reel with the left hand three or four feet of line ; 
and, lifting his rod, slowly at first, by a gradually increas- 
ing motion, lifts the leader and flies, and throws them 
backward over the left shoulder, as before described. The 
resistance of the leader and flies, before they leave the 
water, takes the extra length of line from the rod, and it 
is unfolded behind the angler into a straight line, when he 
casts it forward over the right shoulder. 

In this way the line is lengthened at every cast, if nec-> 
essary, until the maximum or desired distance is reached. 
But the angler should never let his flies touch the ground 
behind him; but must so time the movement as to proi)el 
the line forward at exactly the right moment to prevent 
this. 



398 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

Another caution : The angler should never attempt to 
cast his flies by main strength, for this will accomplish 
nothing but confusion ; it takes but little force to retrieve 
or cast the flies with a well-made, springy and pliant rod. 
The rod, moreover, must never be carried back over the 
shoulder to a distance exceeding an angle of fifteen degrees 
off the perpendicular, for the backward throw is really ac- 
complished by the time the rod is in a vertical position, 
and this might be said, also, to a certain extent, in regard 
to the forward movement or cast proper ; for by the time 
the rod is fifteen degrees off the perpendicular in the other 
direction (in front), the main part of the cast is made, and 
the second part of the forward movement is only to follow 
the flies with the point of the rod, to ease their flight, as 
before mentioned ; this latter part of the forward cast can 
no more aid or extend the flight of the flies than " push- 
ing" on the reins can increase the speed of your horse. 

I have now, in the fewest words possible, and in the 
simplest manner, endeavored to explain the " mystery " of 
casting the fly, and I trust. the beginner will be able to 
understand it. It is almost impossible to describe the art 
clearly and satisfactorily by mere words. One hour with 
a good fly-fisher will teach the novice more than a hun- 
dred written pages. I have purposely omitted many little 
details of nicety and precision, which would only tend to 
magnify the supposed difficulties of casting, and create 
doubt, confusion, and a lack of confidence, in the mind of 
the beginner in the noble art of fly-fishing. 

General Instructions. 

It is useless to cast for Black Bass from high elevations 
near the water, as a bold bank, a projecting rock, a dam. 



FLY-FISHING. 399 

etc., under ordinary circumstances ; for the angler must 
remember that the most commanding situatiou for seeing 
the fish also furnishes the best facilities for being seen in 
return, and vice versa. In fishing from a boat, it must be 
kept in deep water, while long casts are made in-shore, 
toward the feeding grounds. We should never fish with 
the sun at our back, or in such a position as to throw the 
shadow of our rod or person upon the water. 

From what has been said in the chapter on the "condi- 
tions governing the biting offish," it will be apparent that 
it is absolutely necessary that there be a breeze sufficient 
to ruffle the surface of the water. It is perfect folly for the 
angler to cast his flies upon a smooth surface, if the water 
is clear enough for fishing. A gale is better than no wind 
at all, and it does not matter from what direction the wind 
blows, if the condition and temperature of water are right. 
A good breeze is the angler's best ally, for by rippling the 
water it breaks the line of sight, to a great extent, between 
him and the fish. 

The angler should endeavor to cast his flies as lightly 
as possible, causing them to settle as quietly as thistle- 
down, and without a splash. After casting, the flies should 
be skipped or trailed along the surface in slightly curving 
lines, or by zigzag and tremulous movements, occasionally 
allowing them to become submerged for several inches 
near likely-looking spots. If the current is swift, allow 
the flies to float naturally with it, at times, when they can 
be skittered back again, or withdrawn for a new cast. 
Two or three times are enough to cast over any one spot,, 
when a rise is not induced. 

When Bass are biting eagerly and quickly, whip]ung the 
stream is to be practiced, that is, the casts are to be often 



400 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Fly-fishing— Landing the Bass. 



FLY-FISHING. 401 

and rapidly repeated, first to one side, then the other, al- 
lowing the flies to settle but a moment. In casting and 
manipulating the flies, the line must be ever taut ; for 
often a Bass will thus hook himself, which he never does 
with a slack line. 

Striking and Playing. 

The angler should strike by sight, or by touch ; that is, 
he should strike the moment he sees the rise ; for the Bass 
has either got the fly in his mouth, has missed it, or has al- 
ready ejected it, when the rise is seen ; it very seldom 
happens that the rise is seen before the fly is reached by the 
fish. The angler must also strike at the moment he feels 
the slightest touch or tug from the fish, for often the Bass 
takes the fly without any break at the surface, especially 
if the flies are beneath the surface. 

Striking is simply a twist of the wrist, or half-turn of 
the rod, either upward or downward (upward with stiffish 
rods, and downward with very willowy ones), which is suf- 
ficient to set the hook if the rod and line maintain a proper 
state of tension ; but when the careless angler has a slack 
line, and, consequently, a lifeless rod, he must necessarily 
strike by a long upward or side sweep of the rod, called 
"yanking;" and should he succeed in hooking the fish, 
the chances are that it will shake the hook out again before 
the slack can be reeled up. 

The tip of the rod must always be held upward, so that 
the rod constantly maintains a curve with the line ; and 
never, under any circumstances must the rod point in the 
direction of the flies after they reach the w%iter, for this 
allows the direct strain of the fish to come upon the line 
34 



402 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

or leader. When a Bass is hooked, he must be killed on 
the rod; the rod must stand the brunt of the contest; the 
more pliable and springy the rod, the less likelihood of its 
breaking, for a stiff rod is more easily fractured than a 
flexible one. Give the Bass more line only when he takes 
it; make him fight for every inch, and take it back when 
you can; hold him by the spring of the rod, and do not 
hesitate to turn the butt toward him to keep him away from 
weeds, rocks, snags, or other dangerous places ; this will 
bring him up with a round turn, and is called "giving 
the butt." 

Do n't be in a hurry to land him ; the longer he resists, 
the better for your sport; take your time and only land 
him when he is completely exhausted ; for if he is well 
hooked, and the proper tension of rod and line maintained, 
he can not get away ; on the other hand, if he is tenderly 
hooked, the more gingerly he is handled the better. 
Therefore, never be in a hurry, and never attempt to force 
matters ; always keep a bent rod and taut line; if the Bass 
breaks water, the best plan is to lower the tip, so as to 
slack the line, and immediately raise the rod and tighten 
the line when he strikes the water again, for if he falls on 
the tightened line he is most sure to escape; this is one 
of his most wily tricks. 

Remarks, Hints, and Advice. 

It has been doubted by some that the Black Bass will 
rise to the fly, or at best that they are uncertain in their 
modes and times of doing so, as compared with the Brook 
Trout. These doubts are mostly raised by those who an- 
gle for the Black Bass in precisely the same way as for the 



FLY-FISHING. 40-3 

Brook Trout, upon the supposition that the two fish are 
identical in habits and instincts. But while their habits 
of feeding are very similar — both feeding on the bottom, 
in midwater, or on the surface, on Crustacea, larvse, min- 
nows, insects, etc. — they differ greatly in other habitual feat- 
ures and idiosyncrasies. 

The Black Bass will rise to the fly as readily, under any 
and all conditions, as the Brook Trout, when fished for 
understandingly, and under proper precautions. There are 
times, seemingly favorable, when neither Bass nor Trout 
will rise to the fly. 

One reason why the Bass is thought to be uncertain in 
rising to the fly is this : While he is fully as wary as the 
Trout he is not so timid. A Trout darts incontinently 
away at the first glimpse of the angler, and is seen no 
more ; but the Bass will retire but a short distance, and 
as often will stand his ground, and on balanced fins will 
watch the angler vainly casting his "brown hackle" or 
" coachman " over him, perhaps laughing in his sleeve 
(shoulder girdle) at his discomfiture. The truth of the 
matter is, the Bass is not uncertain, but he is too knowing 
to be deceived by his flies, so long as the angler is in 
sight. 

Fish are more suspicious regarding objects on the sur- 
face of the water than of those beneath. I have often 
demonstrated this, causing them to skurry away, by hold- 
ing a long stick immediately over them, above tlie surface; 
while I could introduce the same stick underneath the 
water and even prod a fish with it, without alarming it 
much. This is why more caution is necessary in fly-fish- 
ing than in bait-fishing ; the bait in one instance being on 
the surface, and in the other, beneath. If a Black Bass, in 



404 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

rushing to the surface for tlie fly, sees tlie angler, he at 
once stops in his course, and thenceforth the daintiest flies, 
never so deftly thrown, will be cast in vain while the an- 
gler remains in view. 

In a recent issue of the London Field appeared an arti- 
cle, written by the able editor of that valuable paper, 
Francis Francis, Esq., on the frightening of Brook Trout 
by the flashing and reflections of a varnished fly-rod, 
when wildly waved by the angler in casting, and which, at 
first sight, would seem to be plausible enough ; but upon 
mature consideration, and with all due deference to so emi- 
nent an authority as Mr. Francis, I am convinced that 
there is not much in it, and that instead of proving the 
matter he seems to be rather begging the question. 

The theory of angling, like the theory of medicine, is 
rather an uncertain subject, and opposite positions can be 
taken and seemingly maintained upon almost any question 
of either science, until the crucial test of practical experi- 
ence proves their truth or falsity. The fact is, that fish 
are not frightened by flashes of light or the reflections of 
bright objects, but, on the contrary, are attracted by them; 
any one who has ever fished by torchlight, or trolled with 
a bright metal spoon, can testify to this, and there is a 
method of fishing practiced by the Chinese, by means of a 
board painted white and attached to a boat at such an an- 
gle as to reflect the light of the moon upon the water, 
when the fish, attracted by this, jump upon the board as 
the boat is moved along. 

That fish are not much disturbed, if at all, by the flash- 
ing of a polished fly-rod per se, can be easily proven by 
any one who, being securely hid behind a clump of bushes, 
can wave his rod as " wildly " as necessary without alarm- 



FLY-FISHING. 405 

ing them to an extent to frighten them away or prevent 
their biting ; indeed, the unnatural shaking or disturbance 
of a bush near the brink, by the careless angler, will 
alarm the denizens of the stream more than the most highly- 
varnished and brightly-mounted rod ever made, when 
waved over the stream by an angler who keeps himself hid 
from view ; and herein lies, to my mind, the key to this 
whole matter. 

It is the angler who scares the Trout, and not his rod ; 
and this probably applies with more force to the compara- 
tively narrow and open streams of Great Britain than to 
the more extensive waters of our own country; this view 
seems more probable in connection with the fact that Mr. 
Francis advises casting sideways instead of overhead, which 
method could only be practiced successfully on narrow 
streams, for sideway casts are necessarily short ones, and 
would not answer at all for most' of our waters. There 
are situations, however, when the sideway cast can be 
used advantageously, and is used occasionally by all good 
fly-fishers. 

The main rules to be observed in fly-fishing I conceive 
to be these : on narrow streams to keep entirely out of 
sight, and on open waters to make long casts ; in either 
case, the fish, not seeing the angler, will not be alarmed 
at the flashing of the rod ; the finer the water the greater 
the caution that must be used on the one hand, and the 
longer must be the cast on the other. 

Mr. Francis does not offer any remedy for the varnished 
rod, but merely suggests that it might answer to paint it 
sky-blue, or a dull, smoky tint, without polish; but this, 
I know, will not do. I have seen rods that had the var- 
nish scraped oli and wene painted a delicate pea-green, to 



406 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

harmonize with the foliage of Trout streams, and I have 
seen the bark left on alder, elm, and tamarack poles when 
used in bait-fishing, but they were not more successful 
than the varnished rod. 

Split bamboo and other jointed rods must of necessity be 
varnished to preserve their elasticity and beauty. Think 
of a delicate split bamboo tip coated with sky-blue paint! 
The very thought is heresy, and an offense against the 
eternal fitness of things that would make even the spots 
on a Brook Trout blush more deeply crimson. American 
split bamboo rods are the finest made rods in the world, 
and the numerous foreign orders received by the manufac- 
turers fully attest this fact, and show, moreover, that they 
are duly appreciated abroad, as well as at home, highly 
varnished and flashing though they be. 

There is one feature of this subject that is peculiarly 
gratifying to me, and I heartily thank Mr. Francis for the 
article in question. It concedes the fact that fish, having 
eyes, can see, and are not the near-sighted dupes that most 
writers would have us believe ; this concession could not 
be put in a stronger light than by the assertion that they 
are frightened at the flashing of a varnished rod, and that 
a rod, therefore, should be rendered as nearly invisible as 
possible by painting it a sky-blue or cloud color. But if 
this were done, Avhat a quantity of brash wood and poor 
workmanship, and what a multitude of sins of omission 
and commission would this sky-blue mantle, like charity, 
cover ! 

When fish are frightened at a fishing-rod at all, it is 
when its shadow is suddenly cast upon the water — which 
all prudent anglers are very careful to avoid doing, espe- 
cially on small streams — and, viewed in this light, a sky- 



FL,Y-FISHING. 407 

blue rod has not even a fancied advantage over the most 
higiily-polished one. 

The most important rule, then, to be observed, first, last, 
and all the time in fly-fishing, is: Keep out of sight of the 
fish; this is the first and great injunction; "and the sec- 
ond is like unto it:" Keep as quiet and motionless as pos- 
sible. " On these two " laws depends all your success in 
fly-fishing. Let your necessary movements be deliberate 
and methodical, avoiding all quick, sudden, or energetic 
motions. Fish see and hear much better than we give 
them credit for. To keep out of the fish's sight we must 
be screened by sucli natural objects as bushes, trees, rocks, 
etc., or by keeping well back from the brink and making 
long casts. In wading the stream it is also necessary to 
make long casts. The latter is the best plan of fishing a 
stream, as the angler, being so near the water, is not so apt 
to be seen. 

It is best, always, to fish down stream, even with the 
wind against one, for fish always lie with head up stream, 
and will be more apt to see your flics. The current will, 
moreover, take your flies down stream, and so keep your 
line taut. It is also easier to wade down, than up stream. 
Many other reasons might be given, but these will be suffi- 
cient. Cast just below ripples and rapids, over eddies and 
pools, along the edges of weed patches, under projecting 
banks and shelving rocks, near submerged trees or drift- 
wood, off gravelly shoals, isolated rocks and long points or 
spurs of land ; it is useless to fisii long, deep, still reaches 
of water. i 

The most favorable time for fly-fishing for Black Bass 
is during the last hours of the day, from sundown until 
dark, and also on bright moonlight evenings. On streams, 



408 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

an hour or two following sunrise, in wtirm weather, is 
quite favorable. On dark, cloudy, and cold days the 
middle hours are best. Bright sunny days, especially in 
liot weather, arc not favorable to fly-fishing, except in 
quite cool, shady, and breezy situations. In short, the best 
conditions are a mellow or dusky light, a good breeze, and 
translucent water ; while the most unfavorable are a bright 
sun, a still atmosphere, and a smooth and glassy surface, 
with the water either very fine or very turbid. 

And now, in concluding this portion of my subject, let 
me say a parting word to the beginner: Cast a straight 
line; keep it taut; strike upon sight, or touch; kill 
your fish on the rod ; take your time. It is better to cast 
a short line well, than a long one bunglingly. Should 
you cast your fly into a branch of a tree overhead, or into 
a bush behind you, or miss your fish in striking, or lose 
him when hooked, or crack off your tail-fly, or slip into a 
hole up to your armpits — keep your temper; above all 
things don't swear, for he that swears will catch no fish. 
Remember, yours is the gentle art, and a fly-fisher should 
be a gentleman. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

CASTING THE MINNOW. 

"And as to the rest that concerns this sort of angling, I shall wholly refer 
you to Mr. Walton's direction, who is undoubtedly the best angler with a 
minnow in England." — Charles Cotton. 

Next to fly-fishing, casting the minnow is the most ar- 
tistic mode of angling for the Black Bass. To obtain all 
of the pleasure and sport embodied in this style of fishing, 
none but the best and most approved tackle should be em- 
ployed, which should approach, in its general features of 
elegance and lightness, the implements used in fly-fishing. 

A foithful study of the conformation, habits, and idiosyn- 
crasies of game fish should be the first consideration of the 
true angler ; though the average angler usually contents 
himself with a superficial knowledge of the ways and means 
of capturing and killing the finny tribe, a big catch being 
the height of his piscatorial ambition. While good tackle 
is essential to success, a thorough knowledge of the habits 
of the fish is a sine qua non, without which no one can be- 
come an expert and successful angler. 

Apropos of this might be mentioned the old and hack- 
neyed story of the rustic youth with alder pole, twine string, 
and worm bait, and the soi-disant angler with split bamboo 
and well-filled fly-book, who indulged in a day's fishing 
on the same stream, with the result of a "big string" for 
35 (409) 



410 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

the boy, and one poor fingerling for the disgusted sports- 
man. The boy understood the " true inwardness " of the 
Trout, in which matter the discomfited citizen was lament- 
ably ignorant, and relied entirely upon his splendid rig for 
success. 

Where Black Bass are plentiful, as in the quiet ponds 
and lakes of Western New York, Northern Indiana, Mich- 
igan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, at the Thousand Islands 
of the St. Lawrence, and in the extreme South, the merest 
tyro, who can throw his bait twenty feet from the boat, 
can, when the Bass are in a biting mood, show a big catch, 
though he may necessarily have failed to land two out of 
every three fish hooked. But on small rivers, where the 
angler casts to the right and left and across the stream 
from the banks, and Nvhile wading the shallows and bars, 
and the Bass are shy, educated, and fully up in a knowl- 
edge of the stream in its windings, eddies, pools, and rapids, 
the highest skill and a thorough knowledge of the habits 
of the fish are indispensable to a full creel ; and this, at the 
same time, constitutes the pleasure and perfection of Black 
Bass angling. 

But bear in mind, that sticking the butt of a long rod 
in the bank, and then, while reclining under the shade of 
some umbrageous tree, enjoying a pipe or the latest novel 
while waiting an hour for a bite, is not angling, but 
simply loafing, and attempting to obtain Bass under false 
pretenses. 

Casting the minnow is quite an art, as much so as casting 
the fly; indeed, I think there are more good fly casters 
than good casters of the live minnow. Mediocrity in both 
methods of angling is readily acquired, but great excellence 
and perfect skill are rarely attained in either. The two 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 411 

methods are essentially and practically different, and re- 
quire implements and tools commensurate with this differ- 
ence. 

While the fly-rod is willowy and long, the minnow-rod 
is short and comparatively -stiff; the fly-line is rather heavy 
and of large caliber as compared with the minnow-line, 
which should be as fine and light as possible, consistent 
with strength. The artificial fly is cast by the weight of 
the fly-line and suppleness of the rod, while the weight of 
the bait, and swivel or sinker, give the necessary momentum 
for casting the minnow. The fly is usually cast overhead, 
directly in front of the angler, while the minnow can only 
be cast, for any great distance, to one side or the other, or 
obliquely, by underhand casting. 

Minnow Tackle. 

The Minnow Rod. — The rod for casting the live min- 
now should be shorter and stiffer than the fly-rod, but of 
about the same relative weight; for it, like the fly-rod, is 
a single-handed rod. It should be from eight to nine feet 
long. Eight and a quarter feet is the standard length 
that I have advocated for many years, though the manu- 
facturers, in order to suit all tastes, now make this style 
of rod from eight to nine and a half feet long. It should 
weigh from eight to ten ounces, no less and no more. It 
should be well balanced, with a stifflsh back, to insure good 
casting, but pliable enough to respond to the slightest 
movement of the fish. Most of the bend and play should 
be in the upper two-thirds of the rod, which bend should 
be a true arch, and not a horse-shoe curve, as is often seen 
in a poorly-constructed tjnd weak-backed rod. The best 



412 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

material for a rod of this character is an ash butt and 
lancewood second and third pieces, the latter being usually 
known as the tip. The reel-seat should be from six to 
eight inches from the extreme butt, and no more, for this 
rod must be used with the hand alone, and should not ex- 
tend under the elbow for support, like the old-fashioned 
long and heavy rods. It should have light standing guides 
instead of rings. 

The Reel. — The multiplying reel is the only one 
adapted to casting the minnow, and it should be the very 
best one made. It should run as rapidly and smoothly as 
jjossible, and multiply from two to four times. The best 
is the " Frankfort " reel — sometimes variously styled 
"Meek," "Milam," or "Kentucky" reel — though the 
very best of other good makers will answer well. 

The improved Black Bass reels of Abbey & Imbrie, and 
Conroy, Bissett & Malleson, referred to in the chapter on 
reels, are excellent implements. 

The Reel Line. — First and foremost among the suit- 
able lines is the smallest size, G, or No. 5, plaited raw silk 
line. It should be braided hard and close, and tinted or 
parti-colored. Where the Bass are exceptionally large, 
size F, or No. 4, may be used, though the smaller or finer 
the line the better, for a gut leader can not be used in 
casting the minnow, and longer casts can be made with 
the finest lines. The proper length for a reel-line is fifty 
yards. 

The boiled silk braided line is next best, but it is not so 
closely plaited, usually,- as the raw silk-line, and conse- 
quently absorbs more water, which is detrimental to casting. 
When it is as hard braided as the raw silk-line it is about 
as good. 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 413 

Next in order is the braided linen line ; the smallest size, 
G, or No, 5, is the only size to be used, and that is rather 
large. 

The last, though with some not the least, in point of 
merit, is the relaid Japanese sea-grass (so-called) line, 
which is made of raw silk, and in some respects is a better 
line than any mentioned, being of smaller caliber, very 
hard twisted, and absorbing less water when new. But 
being a twisted line, it is apt to kink where much casting 
is practiced; were it not for this detestable quality it would 
rank all other lines for bait fishing, as the smallest size, 
No. 1, is just the right caliber. I am trying to induce the 
manufacturers to braid a line of this same size, especially 
for Black Bass angling, and shall probably succeed. 

Twisted silk, linen, or cotton lines should never be used 
in this mode of angling, as their kinking propensities will 
ruffle the temper of the mildest-mannered angler. 

Hooks. — The hook beyond comparison, for Black Bass 
fishing, is the Sproat. It is a true, central-draught hook, 
and tempered just right. It has a short barb, with cutting 
edges, which will go right through any part of a fish's 
mouth. The next best, in the order named, are the 
O'Shaughnessy, Dublin Bend, Cork Shape, and round 
bend Carlisle (Aberdeen). These hooks are all numbered 
about alike, and the most suitable sizes are Nos. 1, 1-0, 
2-0, and 3-0. Hooks should be tied on gut-snells, single 
or double, good single gut being best. Where pickerel 
abound, the gimp-snell may be used. 

Swivels. — A brass box swivel of the smallest size should 
always be used, and often it will be heavy enough without 
an additional sinker. 

Sinkers. — Ringed sinkers, or what is still better, the 



414 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

patent adjustable sinker, with spiral wire rings for readily 
attaching and detaching to or from the line, are the only 
kinds to use, when they are found necessary. 

Floats. — The float should never be used in casting the 
minnow if it can possibly be dispensed with. It is always 
in the way, and long casts can not be made when it is em- 
ployed. In still fishing it may be used, and with advan- 
tage, especially where helgramites or crawfish are used as 
bait. The patent adjustable float with spiral rings, is an 
article of real merit, as it is well made and can be attached 
or removed in a moment. 

KiGGING THE CaST. 

In rigging the cast for the minnow, the reel must be 
placed underneath the rod, on a line with the guides. 
Many anglers use the reel on top, but this is essentially 
wrong. The weight of the reel naturally takes it under the 
rod, where it balances better and enables the rod to be 
held more steadily; the strain of the line also falls upon 
the guides, which insures a more perfect working of the 
rod. Both click and multiplying reels should always be 
used underneath; they are intended to be so used, and it 
will be found far the best way when one becomes accus- 
tomed to this plan. 

The reel then being underneath, the line is rove through 
the guides and a box-swivel tied on the end; to the other 
ring of the swivel is looped the snell of the hook. The 
hook is then passed through the lower lip of a good-sized 
minnow — from three to four inches long — and out at the nos- 
tril; or if the minnow is smaller, out at the socket of the 
eye. If the minnow is carefully hooked, it will live a 



CASTING THE MINNOM 415 

comparatively long time. If a sinker be required in ad- 
dition to the swivel, it should be placed a foot above it. 



Making the Cast. 

Now reel up the line until the sinker, or swivel, as the 
case may be, is at the tip of the rod, and we are ready to 
make a cast, which I will now endeavor to explain with 
the aid of the annexed diagram and cuts : 



In the diagram, A represents the angler ; we are sup- 
posed to be looking down upon him from above, so that 
only his hat and rod are visible. He is facing B. The 
angler now wishes to make a cast to the left, X being the 
objective point to which he desires to cast the minnow, 
some twenty yards distant. He grasps the rod immedi- 
ately below the reel with the right hand, with the thumb 
resting lightly but firmly upon the spool, to control the 
rendering of the line; the right arm is extended down- 
ward, slightly bent, with the elbow near the body, and 
with the extreme butt of the rod nearly touching the right 
hip; the thumb and reel are upward, inclining slightly 
toward the left; the tip of the rod, or rather the minnow, 
just clears the ground or surface of the water; the position 
of the rod is now in the direction of the line A C, inclin- 



416 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 








CASTING THE MINNOW. ' 417 

ing toward the ground or water, making an angle of about 
3p deg. with the line of the shoulders, X Z (the inclination 
of the rod is shown fully in figure 4) ; this is the situation 
at the beginning of the cast. 

Now for the cast : The angler turns his face toward X, 
the objective point, witliout turning his body; he now 
inclines his body in the direction of C, advancing the right 
foot and bending the right knee slightly, and makes a 
sweeping cast from the right to the left, and from below 
upward, across the body diagonally, until the rod-hand is 
at the height of the left shoulder, and the arm and rod 
extended in the direction of A D, with the tip of the rod 
inclining upward, as shown in figure 5. 

The movement of the right hand is almost in a straight 
line from a jx)int near the right hip to a point near the 
left shoulder; the motion in casting is steady, increasing 
in swiftness toward the end of the cast, and ending with 
the "pitching" of the bait — instead of a violent jerk — 
somewhat similar to the straight underhand pitching of a 
base-ball. 

In making the cast, the right elbow should touch the 
body, sweeping across it, and only leave it at the end of 
the cast, making the forearm do the work. At the end of 
the cast, the reel and thumb are upward, and the rod forms 
an angle of 30 dcg. with the line of the shoulders X Z, 
and the minnow, instead of following the direction of the 
rod A D, as some might suppose, will, from the slight 
curve described by the rod during the cast, diverge toward 
the left, and drop at X, when the thumb should immedi- 
ately stop the reel by an increased pressure. 

Casting to the right is just the reverse of the above 
proceeding. The angler being in the same position, 



418 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 





bo 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 419 

brings the right hand across, and touching the body, to a 
point in front of the left hip, the thumb and reel upward, 
but inclining toward the body, and the rod extending in 
the direction of the line A D, with the tip downward, as 
shown in figure 6; he now turns his face in the direction 
of the objective point Z, inclines his body and advances 
his left foot in the direction of D ; and makes a cast from 
left to right, from below upward, and ends the cast with 
the right arm and rod fullv extended in the direction of 
the line A C, as shown in figure 7, while the minnow 
takes its flight toward Z. This is a back-handed cast, 
and is somewhat analogous to the pitching of a quoit. 

In making either cast the body should sway slightly and 
simultaneously with the rod arm, in the direction of the 
cast, to add force and steadiness; but on no account must 
the cast be made by " main strength," for it requires but 
slight muscular exertion to cast forty yards; and on no 
account must the rod be carried further toward the line 
X Z than an angle of thirty degrees, otherwise the bait 
"will be thrown behind the angler. Particular care must 
be taken to give the bait an upward impulse as it leaves 
the rod. 

The first cast that the beginner makes will be likely to 
throw the bait behind him, for reasons just given. He 
should, by all means, begin by making short casts, and 
lengthen them as he perfects himself by experience in 
manao-iiio- the reel and controllino; the cast. While but a 
few yards of line can be cast directly in front of the be- 
ginner, he should practice casting at various angles with 
the line X Z, to the left and right. He should avoid over- 
head casting, for that is the pot-fisher's method of throw- 
ing a bait, and is not only an awkward, but a very 



420 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

inefficient style of casting the minnow, and must not be 
practiced except where the reel is dispensed with, as in one 
mode of still-fishing. 

At the beginning- of the cast the thumb presses firmly 
upon the spool of the reel, until just before the tip of the 
rod gains its greatest extent or elevation, when the press- 
ure is to be slightly relieved, so as to permit the release 
of the line, and allow the minnow to be projected in the 
direction of the cast. The exact time to lessen the press- 
ure of the thumb and start the minnow on its flight, is 
almost a matter of intnition, which can hardly be ex- 
plained ; however, the proper time is soon learned by 
practice, in which event, the " wrinkle " comes to be per- 
formed by the* angler automatically, or, as it were, uncon- 
sciously. 

The entire cast must be made so steadily and so regu- 
larly, and the rod held so firmly at the end of the cast, as 
to prevent entirely any undue swaying or bending of the 
rod, in order that the line may follow the direction of the 
minnow in its flight, smoothly and evenly, and untram- 
meled and unretarded by any vibratory motions of the 
rod. I trust I make myself understood here, for this is 
the most essential, and, at the same time, the most difficult 
feature, or portion, of the cast to explain, or acquire. 

The thumb must be thoroughly educated to control tho 
rendering of the line during the cast, and this can only 
be accomplished by continual and j^aHoit practice, in train- 
ing the thumb to apply just the requisite amount of uni- 
form pressure, to prevent the overrunning of the line, or 
back-lashing of the spool. 

The beginner should make up his mind, in the first place, 
to keep his temper, and to exhibit no impatience at the 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 421 

frequent slipping of his thumb, and the consequent snarl- 
ing and tangling of his line. The more calmly and phi- 
losophically he views these annoyances and perplexities, 
the sooner will he overcome the difficulties and become 
au fait in the management of the reel. The best in- 
struction I can give him is to make the pressure of the 
thumb gentle, but firm and uniform, during the flight of 
the minnow, and to stop the revolving spool the moment 
the bait alights on the water, by a stronger pressure. 

These directions are as brief, plain and explicit, as it is 
possible to make them ; they embody the main principles 
involved, and the novice, by a careful and practical appli- 
cation of them, can, by perseverance, soon become a good 
caster of the live minnow. 

General Instructions. 

If fishing from a boat, on a lake or large pond, the 
angler proceeds in his boat on the outside, or deep water 
side, of the fishing grounds, and casts in toward the feed- 
ing grounds, the oarsman rowing along rapidly or slowly, 
or holding the boat stationary, as circumstances demand. 
The boat being in deep water the fish are not so apt to 
see it, which is a great advantage. The angler can cast in 
any direction and to any distance, greater or lesser, within 
the length of his line, as he may desire. He can cast 
astern and proceed as in trolling, or cast to either side, or 
forward, and by reeling in the line keep the bait in mo- 
tion. It can readily be imagined how expert casting has 
so great an advantage over any other method of bait- 
fishing, and that when once acquired it will never be 
relinquished for any other mode. 



422 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Bait-Fishing— Playing the Bass. 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 423 

When a Bass is hooked the boatman should pull at 
once for deep water, for the better management of the fish, 
and to prevent its taking refuge among Aveeds, rocks, 
snags, etc. In deep water the hsh has better play and 
more room, and the angler, having fewer difficulties to en- 
counter, enjoys more thoroughly the ensuing contest and 
final capture and landing of his prey. 

If fishing from the banks of a stream, the angler should 
keep as near the level of the water as possible, or, still 
better, he should wade the stream when practicable. He 
should cast below the riffles, near gravelly bars, sub- 
merged roots or snags, weed patches and projecting rocks 
in the bed of the stream, and under shelving rocks on 
the banks, etc. After striking a Bass, he should lead him 
into deeper water if possible, or, at all events, away from 
dangerous places. 

After casting the minnow, and it alights at a favorable 
spot, it should be left for a longer or a shorter time, depend- 
ing on the nature of the water fished, and upon the 
abundance, scarcity, and mood of the Bass. As the line 
slackens, it should be slowly reeled until the entire line is 
retrieved. Sometimes, when fish are plentiful and biting 
eagerly, it is best to make frequent casts, reeling in rapidly 
after each cast, especially in rather shallow water, so as to 
give a rapid swimming motion to the bait. 

When the Bass takes the bait, the angler should let him 
have it from two to ten seconds, according to the mood of 
the fish. If he bites eagerly and wickedly, the angler 
may hook him at once ; but if he seems shy, off his feed, 
and inclined to toy with the bait, let him have it a few 
seconds, and give him line as he takes it, keeping the 
thumb upon the spool as a drag, however, so as to feel 



424 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 




Bait-Fishing— Giving the Butt. 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 425 

every motion of the fish. At the proper time the angler 
should check him by a stronger pressure of the thumb, 
when, if the Bass pulls strongly and steadily, and seems 
inclined to run away with the bait, he should be hooked at 
once by a slight " twist of the wrist," but not by a violent 
jerk, or by "yanking" the rod. 

If, however, upon checking the Bass, he gives several 
tugs or a succession of slight jerks, it is better to let him 
run a few seconds longer, for he has the bait crosswise in 
his mouth and does not feel the steel; finally, when he 
pulls steadily, hook him as before described. The Bass 
should never be given time to gorge, or swallow the bait. 

From the time a Bass first "bites" until he is in the 
landing-net, he should never be given an inch of slack 
line, under any circumstances. The rod must be held by 
the butt, with the thumb upon the reel, or, if the rod is 
held in the left hand, the line must be held against the 
rod, by the forefinger, which encircles it, and thus acts as 
a drag. The Bass is, of course, hooked by the right, or 
rod hand, and the rod is held in that hand so long so the 
Bass is inclined to pull steadily, or take line; but as soon 
as he shows a disposition to " let up," or turn toward the 
angler, the rod must be taken in the other hand, so as to 
leave the right hand free to use the reel. The Bass should 
be made to feel, constantly, the spring of the rod, which 
should always maintain a curve, by the tip being held in an 
elevated position. The Bass should fight for every inch 
of line, and the angler should take it again whenever pos- 
sible. The fish must be killed on the rod. 

Should the Bass break water, with a long line, merely 
let the rod straighten as he falls back, so as to slacken the 
line (but it should be recovered immediately when he 
36 



426 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

strikes the water), for if the Bass falls across a taut line 
he is almost sure to tear the hook out. If he breaks 
-water with a short line, the rod may be elevated so as 
to keep the line above him, following him back as 'he 
falls into the water. 

If there is danger of the Bass getting to the weeds, 
or to the protection of snags, roots, rocks, etc., he must 
be stopped at all hazards. If the rod is a good one, and 
pliable, the angler must not hesitate to give him the butt ; 
this will bring him up standing, with no danger to a first- 
class rod; but if the rod is a stiff one, turning the butt to 
him will be most sure to break it; in this case it is best 
to keep the Bass away from dangerous places by main 
strength, and the natural bend of the rod. If fishing 
from a boat, great caution must be used to prevent the 
Bass from running under it, as he will be sure to do if he 
has the opportunity; and should he succeed, the rod must 
be quickly passed around the stern or bow, and the thumb 
at once released from the reel so as to allow the line to 
run out as rapidly as possible, otherwise a broken rod is 
the result. 

When the fish is thoroughly exhausted, he should be 
landed, and not before. Most anglers attempt to land 
their fish too soon, thus curtailing their sport and endan- 
gering their tackle. The landing-net should be held 
several inches beneath the surface of the water, and held 
perfectly still, when the angler should bring the fish over 
it; then the net should be lifted quickly, and with one 
motion. The angler must never, himself, nor allow his 
assistant to, frighten the fish by lunging at it with the 
net, in attempting to secure it. More lish are lost in 
clumsy endeavors to land them, than in any other way. 



CASTING THE MINNOW. 427 

The angler sliould never be in too great a hurry to hind 
his fish; for if he is well-hooked he can not get away, 
while if he is hooked in a thin or weak part of the raouth, 
there is a greater necessity that he should be gingerly 
played and tenderly handled, until he is completely 
"tuckered out/' and turns up his belly to the sun. There 
is never any thing gained by too great a hurry in Bass 
fishing. On the contrary, "the more haste the less speed," 
is a maxim particularly applicable to this case. 

In reeling in the line, whether playing a fish or re- 
trieving the line, it should be guided on the spool of the 
reel by the left middle finger, when the reel is underneath 
the rod (as it always should be), or by the left thumb 
when the reel is used on top ; it should be reeled on regu- 
larly from left to right, and from right to left, like sewing- 
cotton on a spool. This prevents that '^ bunching," or 
piling, and the subsequent tangling and snarling of the 
line, so common with beginners and careless anglers. It 
is just as easy to reel the line correctly, and in regular 
and uniform coils or turns, as to bunch it, if the novice 
begins right; after the habit is once acquired, he does it 
automatically or mechanically. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

STILL-FJSHING. 

" And if you rove for a Perch with a minnow, then it is hest to be alive, 
you sticliing your hoolc tlirougli liis baclv-fln; or a minnow witli tlie liook 
in liis upper lip, and letting him swim up and down, about raid-water 
or a little lower, and you still keeping him to about that depth by a 
cork." — IzAAK Walton. 

Still-fishing is the most universal mode of angling 
for the Black Bass. As the name implies, it consists in 
throwing in the baited hook, and waiting patiently for "a 
bite," the angler, mean^yhile, keeping himself and rod as 
still. as possible. Fly-fishing is surface fishing; casting 
the minnow is both surface and mid-water fishing ; Avhile 
still-fishing combines mid-water and bottom fishing. In 
fly-fishing and casting the minnow the bait is kept in 
pretty constant motion, while in still-fishing the bait is 
left to itself, or "still," for a longer or shorter time. 
Still-fishing on streams is best practiced from the banks, 
while on lakes or large ponds a boat is necessary. 

Tackle. 

Still -fishing is often practiced without a reel, and some- 
times without a rod, a hand-line, merely, being used. 
When no reel is employed, the rod should be quite long 
and light; the best being a cane pole, from twelve to fif- 
teen feet in length. When the reel is used (as it always 
(428) 



STILL-FISHING. 429 

ou;2:lit to be) the rod recommended for casting the minnow 
is the best, though most still-fishers prefer a longer rod, 
say from ten to twelve feet, as they are not proficient in 
casting. 

The length of the line for still-fishing depends upon the 
character of the rod. Where no reel is employed, it should 
be of about the same length as the rod ; when the angler 
uses a reel, but is indifferent at casting, a line of twenty- 
five yards is sufficient; but when the regular minnow-rod 
is used by a good caster, fifty yards, as in casting the 
minnow, should be used. The line in each instance being 
the same as recommended for casting the minnow, except 
where no reel is used, when the smallest size twisted silk 
line, No. 1, is the best. 

Still-fishers usually employ the float and sinker, and 
they may be used or not, according to circumstances; 
though one of the chiefest delights of the still-fisher is to 
watch the maneuvers of his float. Where the stream is 
shallow and full of snags, or the bottom covered with moss 
or grass, a float is necessary ; and where the current is 
quite swift, or the water deep, a sinker must be used to 
keep the bait beneath the surface. 

Baits and Baiting. 

While a minnow is the best bait for casting, other baits, 
as the helgramite, crawfish, frog, cricket, grasshopper, etc., 
are as good, and sometimes better, for still-fishing. As d\ 
rule, the bait that is the most plentiful in the waters fished, 
will be found the most successful. The helgramite is a 
apital bait, either early or late in the season, when the 
Bass are on the ripples or in shallow water. It is a flat, 



430 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

dark, repulsive-looking worm, some two or three inches 
long, and a lialf-inch wide (the larva of the horned cory- 
dalis), and is found under bowlders, flat stones, decaying 
timbers, etc., in shallow streams. It is variously called 
helgramite, dobson, hellion, kill-devil, grampus, crawler, 
etc., and is best hooked by passing the hook under the 
cap covering the neck, from behind forward, bringing the 
hook out next to the head. 

The crawfish, especially when casting its shell — when it 
is called "peeler" or "shedder" — is a good bait. In its 
usual state, it is best hooked through the tail ; peelers can 
be hooked through the head or body. Grasshoppers, 
crickets, frogs, etc., are used with varying success in still- 
fishing, and sometimes the humble " wum." 

General Instructions. 

As the still-fisher never casts his bait very far, it is 
highly important that he keep as still and motionless as 
possible; and, if in a boat, must avoid striking the same 
with his feet, his rod, or the ours, as such sounds are heard 
very distinctly by the fish. He should fish toward the 
sun, so as to keep his shadow behind him. He should 
keep his line as taut as possible, with his thumb always 
upon the spool of the reel (if he uses one), and as the line 
becomes slack, should reel it in. 

In fishing a lake or pond, the still-fisher anchors his 
boat in a favorable spot, which should be in rather deep 
Avater, just off a shoal or bar, ledge of rocks, or point of 
land, or near beds of rushes or lily-pads, so as to fish 
between the boat and the feeding-grounds, that is, be- 
tween deep and shallow water, and near enough to cast 



STILL-FISHING. 431 

his bait quite up to the haunts of the Bass, above- 
mentioned, whenever necessary. 

If his minnows are lively and strong, and carefully 
hooked, it is advisable not to make frequent casts, but 
rather to suffer the bait to remain, so long as it keeps 
in motion, for a lively minnow will attract a Bass any- 
where within thirty feet, in tolerably clear water. If 
helgramites or crawfish are used for bait, they must be 
kept gently moving, at times, by the rod. 

The management of hooking, playing, and landing a 
Bass is just the same as described in the preceding chap- 
ter, except where a reel is not used, in which case the 
Bass should be killed on the rod, all the same, though 
the angler must use a great deal of judgment in man- 
aging his rod, to thoroughly enjoy the sport, which is 
considerable where the rod is long, slender, and light. 

He should lead his fish, at once, into deep water, where 
he must be held until tired out. He should be kept in 
mid-water, not suffered to go to the bottom, nor encour- 
aged to approach the surface. He sliould lead him to 
and fro, to the left and right, whenever possible, for by 
keeping the fish in constant motion it soon tires him out, 
and subserves, to some extent, the purposes and uses of a 
reel. 

In still-fishing a stream, the angler should stand, or sit, 
as near the level of the water as possible, never fishing 
from a bold bank or other elevation, unless well screened 
from the observation of the fish. He should keep quiet 
and still, when he may possibly be mistaken for a stump 
or other inanimate object. He should leave his bait in 
the water as long as possible, only moving it occasionally, 
by slow, cautious and gentle manipulations, and in every 



432 . BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

other respect remember that he is "still-fishing," and 
govern himself accordingly; for too much caution can not 
be exercised in this mode of angling. 

The noisy "fishing party," which indulges in loud talk- 
ing, shouting, and laughter, and has a " good time " gen- 
erally, no doubt thoroughly enjoys itself in its own Avay, 
but will take but few fish ; it is the " lone fisherman " who 
is always successful, for obvious reasons. 



CHiVPTER XXIV. 

TROLLING. 

"And then yon are to know that your minnow must be so put on your 
hook that it must turn round when 'tis drawn against the stream,— Izaak 
Walton. 

Trolling with the Rod. 

Trolling with the rod, and with the artificial fly, the 
live minnow, or the spoon for bait, is capital sport ; and is 
a very popular style of angling in the lakes and lakelets 
of the North-west. It is more oi regie than still-fishing,- 
and is, besides, more exciting sport, possessing advantages 
over the latter method in several respects. 

The angler can fish with a long line, even though he be 
indifferent at casting; for, as the boat moves along, the 
line can be pulled off from the reel, yard by yard, with 
the hand, while the resistance of the bait, or leader, in the 
water, takes it from the rod. The bait, being in constant 
motion, is more likely to be seen and taken by the fish 
tlian in still-fishing ; while the great length of line takes 
the bait so far from the boat as to remove or quiet any 
suspicions or apprehensions of danger on the part of the 
wily Bass. 

Then the boat, not being anchored, as in still-fishing, 

the boatman can favor the angler in many ways when 

playing or landing his fish. Then, again, in moving over 

so much and so great a variety of ground, the angler is 

37 ' " (433) 



434 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

more apt to find where the Bass are feeding, and thus to 
know just the character of the ground and depth of water 
to try successfully on each particular occasion. And, lastly, 
it secures a constant change of location, and adds enough of 
the spice of variety to satisfy the most impatient angler. 

The minnow casting-rod, previously described, is the 
one best adapted to this or any other mode of bait- 
fishing, though any light and pliable rod, not exceeding 
ten or eleven feet in length, wiil answer, and even the fly- 
rod can be utilized here. A stiff and unyielding rod 
should not be used, for the sudden and violent " bite " 
of the Bass, in this method of angling, with the rod ever 
bent, and taut line, would be very likely to break it, un- 
less the rod were of the hoop-pole pattern. 

The only lines admissible here are the braided raw or 
boiled silk-line, and the braided linen-line ; twisted lines 
can not be used at all on account of their kinking. The 
caliber should be a size larger than recommended for cast- 
ing the minnow, which, in silk-lines, would be sizes E, or 
No. 3, and F, or No. 4: and, in linen lines, F, or No. 4, 
and G, or No. 5. The length should be from fifty to 
seventy-five yards. 

It is best to use a leader from six to nine feet long, with 
either flies, the minnow, or spoon. The. float should not 
be used. One or two swivels are necessary; but, usually, 
no sinker is required. 

If artificial flies are used for the troll, a gut-leader, nine 
feet in length, and three flies, may be employed; or, a 
twelve-feet leader, and four flies, as preferred by some. 
The flics should be placed about three feet apart on the 
leader. An attractive combination of varieties in the flies 
should be observed. 



TROLLING. 435 

A very good assortment would be ii '•'General Hooker" 
for the tail-fly, a ''Coachman" for the first dropper, a 
"Grizzly King" next, and, lastly, if four are used, an 
"Abbey." Another good troll would be a "Professor" 
for tail-fly, a "Montreal" next, the third a "Brown 
Hackle," and, last, a " Ferguson." But, of course, other 
flies will be used by the angler, as found more attractive 
and killing; for different waters often require different 
flies, in trolling, as well as in fly-fishing. 

Three split shot, No. 1, should be placed at equal dis- 
tances along the leader, so as to keep the flies submerged 
from one to three feet below the surface. The boat should 
be propelled quite slowly in trolling with flies, so as to 
permit their sinking to the proper depth, and, likewise, 
to enable them to be easily seen by the fish. 

If the first Bass hooked takes an upper fly, by playing 
him judiciously and cautiously, one, or even two, addi- 
tional Bass may often be induced to take the lower flies, 
though I do not advise this plan with a light rod; one at 
a time will afford better sport, and last much longer. 

If a spoon-bait is to be the lure, only the smallest 
sizes, as fly-spoons, or trout-spoons, should be employed. 
Usually no sinker will be needed ; but one or two swivels 
should always be used — one next to the spoon, and the 
other several feet above it. In trolling with the spoon, 
the boat should move at a sufficient rate of speed to cause 
the spoon to revolve rapidly a foot or two beneath the sur- 
face of the water. 

In trolling with the live minnow, but one hook should 
be used. Give a wide berth to the English abominations 
known as spinning-tackle, gangs, traces, etc., consisting of 
from three tQ a dozen h»oks arranged in groups of three, 



436 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

with single hooks for impaling the minnow ; these contriv- 
ances are intended for Pike-fishing, and should never be 
used for the Black Bass. A single hook is sufficient for 
all purposes. The minnow may be hooked through the 
lips; or, perhaps, the best way for trolling, is to pass the 
hook through the mouth and out at the gill-opening, then 
carry it back and insert it just behind the dorsal fin — a 
needle, armed with a strong thread, is then passed thi'ough 
the lips of the minnow, and tightly tied to the snell, this 
obviates the use of the lip-hook; a minnow will spin as 
well hooked in this way, as with the most approved spin- 
ning-tackle. 

The angler, with his boatman, in trolling with the rod, 
proceeds in a boat over tlie fishing-grounds, with from 
thirty to fifty yards of line out. The rod must be held 
with the tip elevated, so as to keep the ' rod constantly 
curved, and the thumb should be applied to the spool of 
the reel, so as to be ready at any moment for the violent 
rush of the Bass, for he bites very wickedly at the moving 
bait. The fish must be hooked at once, though he often 
fastens himself. If the angler has a long line out, he 
must reel in his fish as soon as possible, until he has him 
within proper bounds, when he can kill him at his leisure. 
The manipulation of the Bass after he is hooked is just 
the same as described in the chapter on casting the min- 
now, to which the reader is referred. 

It is useless to troll in deep water, far from shore ; it 
should only be practiced in water from three to ten feet 
deep, following the trend of the shore, as far as possible, 
where the proper conditions exist, which are given in a 
previous chapter. 



trolling. 437 

Trolling with the Hand-line. 

Trolling with the hand-line is a very tame and simple 
mode of angling; in fact, is the most simple method prac- 
ticed, there being no skill, whatever, required in luring or 
in manipulating the Bass after he is hooked. It is a very 
questionable style of sport, at best ; and, considered in this 
light, is exceedingly flat, and savors strongly of pot-fishing. 
It is indulged in on lakes, ponds and broad rivers, mostly 
by boys, and those unfortunates who can not, or will not, 
learn to handle the rod. 

With a good breeze and a fast-sailing boat, trolling for 
Blue Fish, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and other marine 
fishes, with hand-line and squid, is fine sport ; but, on the 
bosom of a quiet lake, trolling for Black Bass, with hand- 
line and spoon, is a cruel pastime, and a wanton destruc- 
tion of a noble fish. It is only excusable when in camp- 
ing out, without suitable tackle, and when, like the boy 
digging at the tenantless woodchuck hole, one is "out of 
meat," which, in Southern parlance, constitutes "a ground- 
hog case," in which event, perhaps, the end justifies the 
means. 

The necessary tackle for this mode of angling consists 
of a strong hand-line of linen or cotton, from fifty to 
seventy-five yards long; braided lines are to be preferred, 
as they do not kink. The line should be large enough to 
prevent cutting the hands, and, at the same time, to with- 
stand the dead strain of a lively fish. Sizes C, or No. 2, 
and D, or No. 3, are the best and most suitable. 

Any of the numerous revolving spoon-baits, or spinners, 
will answer with or without the so-called "fly," or tuft of 
feathers, or braid; for the bright metal spoon is what lures 



438 BOOK OF TPIE BLACK BASS. 

the Bass, and it can not bo made more attractive for liand- 
trolling by the addition of feathers, braid, etc. 

Abbey & Imbrie's New Fluted Spoon, No. 4; J. H. 
Mann's Perfect Revolving, No. 20, Oval, No. 16, Kidney, 
'No. 6J, and Egg, No. oh; and L. S. Hill's Improved 
Spoon, Nos. IJ and 2, are all excellent trolling-baits for 
hand-lines. 

The ordinary original tin or brass spoon, with single 
hook soldered on, is about as good as any of the later 
inventions. A single hook is certainly preferable to the 
groups of two or three, usually attached to spoon-baits; 
the latter often being crushed or broken by the jaws of a 
large fish. 

Small spoons are more successful than large ones, for 
Black Bass. In the absence of a spoon-bait, the floor of 
the mouth of the Pickerel, cut into the semblance of a fish, 
is tough, white and glistening, and is a good substitute; a 
similar strij), cut from the belly of the Dog Fish, also 
answers a good purpose. One or two swivels should 
always be used with trolling-bait ; a sinker is seldom nec- 
essary. 

With this simple outfit, early in the season, before the 
aquatic weeds and grasses are fully grown, this mode of 
fishing is quite successful. The method of procedure is 
as follows: 

The angler sits in the stern of the boat, and, while the 
oarsman rows at a moderate rate of speed along and over 
the feeding-ground, he runs off forty to sixty yards 
of line; the spoon, revolving gracefully beneath the sur- 
face, i)roves an effective lure. A violent jerk on the line 
announces the fact that an unfortunate Bass has " hooked 
himself;" often he will leap into the air, vainly endeavor- 



TROLLING. 439 

ing to shake the glittering deception from his jaws, but 
his efforts usually only serve to fix the several hooks more 
firmly in his mouth, and, provided he does not crush them, 
or tear them out and escape, he is ''hauled in," hand over 
hand, by muscle and main strength, without a single 
chance for his life — dragged to an ignoble death by a 
hand-line and spoon. This may do for the Pickerel; 
but, oh, gentle reader, an' you love me, spare the Bass 
this indignity ! 



CHAPTER XXV. 

SKITTERING AND BOBBING. 

" Then, if j'ou get a grasshopper, put it on your hook, with j'our line about 
two yards long; standing behind a bush or tree, where his hole is, and make 
your bait stir up and down on the top of tlie water." — Izaak Walton. 

Skittering. 

"Skittering" is best practiced with a long and light 
natural cane-rod, from twelve to fifteen feet long, and a 
strong line of nearly the same length. No reel is used, 
for, like "bobbing," this mode of fishing is only success- 
ful in grassy and weedy situations, Avhere the water is 
comparatively shallow, notably, in the lagoons and bayous 
of the extreme South, and where the fish must be landed 
as soon as possible after being hooked. To the end of 
the line is attached a small trout-spoon, or the skitter- 
ing-spoon, which is still smaller, being the smallest re- 
volving spoon made. 

The modus operandi is as follows : The angler stands in 
the bow of the boat, which is paddled or poled by the 
boatman as noiselessly as possible, just outside of or along 
the channels of clear water, among the patches of rushes, 
lily-pads or bonnets. The angler, by means of the long 
rod and short line, skitters or skips the spoon along the 
surface of the water with a jerky or vibratory motion, 
(440) 



SKITTERING AND BOBBING. 441 

causing it to spin and glance close up to the edges of the 
>veeds, where it is viciously seized by the Bass, who has 
been lying in wait among the water lettuce, or under the 
broad pads of the water-lily, for just such an opportu- 
nity. 

The angler has now no time to loose, but must rapidly 
draw the Bass along the surface of the water to the boat, 
into which he must be lifted at once, for he is as good as 
gone if he gets below the surface, among the weeds ; nor 
must the Bass be allowed to leap into the air with so short 
a line, hut he must be dragged quickly along the surface, 
with his head above the the water, until the line can be 
taken hold of close to the hook, or the finger hooked in 
the gill-opening, and the fish dextrously lifted over the 
side of the boat. 

In such situations, skittering is exciting sport, and is 
not without its attractions. The bright glancing spoon, 
the expert and skillful management of the rod, the mighty 
rush and splash of the Bass as he snaps up the shining 
bauble, and his subsequent lashing and floundering as he 
is irresistibly drawn toward the boat, vainly endeavoring 
to get either in or out of the water, and the final adroit 
manner of landing him, go far toward making this a legiti- 
mate sport, as it undoubtedly is, in the localities mentioned, 
inasmuch as reel-fishing can not be practiced for reasons 
before given. 

Bobbing. 

"Bobbing" is another style of angling peculiar to the 
section of country just mentioned, and though it can not 
be regarded as so artistic or legitimate, it is far more kill- 



442 r.ooK OF the nr.Acic hash. 

ing tlian skittering. It is a mode of fishing especially 
adapted to the waters of the Gulf States, Avhere ii is much 
practiced. The imj)lements for bobbing are few and sim- 
ple, consisting merely of a strong rod from ten to twenty 
feet in length, t^^o or three feet of stout line, and the 
" bob," heretofore described in Cha])ter XVII. 

I can not describe this method of aufjlino- better than 
to quote from Bartram, who wn'ote of the " Trout " (Black 
Bass) of Florida and the way of taking them with the 
bob, in 1764, as follows: — 

''They are taken witii a hook and line, but without any 
bait. Two people are in a little canoe, one sitting in the 
stern to steer, and the other near the bow, having a rod 
ten or twelve feet in length, to one end of which is tied a 
string line, about twenty inches in length, to which is 
fastened three large hooks, back to back. These are fixed 
very securely, and tied with the white hair of a deer's tail, 
shreds of a red garter, and some parti-colored feathers, all 
Avhich form a tuft or tassel nearly as large as one's fist, 
and entirely cover and conceal the hooks; that is called a 
" bob." The steersman paddles softly, and proceeds slowly 
along shore ; he now ingeniously swings the bob back- 
wards and forwards, just above the surface and sometimes 
tips the water with it, Avhen the unfortunate cheated Trout 
instantly springs from under the reeds and seizes the ex- 
posed prey." 

I have many times seen the bob used in Florida just as 
described by Bartram more than a century ago, and it is 
just as etfeetivc to-day as it was then. If there is any 
thing in the notion of certain angling authorities, that fish 
after a time become educated or accustomed to certain ar- 
tificial baits, as flies, etc. — becoming first suspicious, and 



SKITTERING AND BOBBING. 443 

finally refusing them altogether, then the Black Bass of 
Florida must be very dull of comprehension, must have 
sadly neglected their educational privileges and opportuni- 
ties, or else the said " theory," like many another from 
"' across the herring pond," originated in the fertile brain 
of some unfortunate angler to account for an empty 
creel. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



CONCLUDING EEMARKS. 



There is a right way, and, j)cr contra, a wrong way, to 
do every thing. I have endeavored in the preceding pages 
to point out the right way of doing things pertaining to an- 
gling, but I feel that my duty would be but half accom- 
plished, did I not give some advice relative to the proper 
use and care of fisliing tackle, before taking leave of my 
reader. I am the more impelled to do this from the fact 
that I have seen so many fine and elegant rods, reels, and 
lines improvidently ruined, through sheer carelessness, in 
most instances, and through ignorance in others. 

Every angler should, himself, look after the welfare of 
his tackle, and not trust it to the care of guides, boatmen, 
or servants. Every true angler should do this, con amove, 
as every true sportsman should, himself, clean his gun and 
feed his dogs at the close of a day's shooting, or every true 
sailor, himself, snug and stow his boat when the anchor is 
dropped. As a good workman is known by his jealous 
care and skillful use of his tools, so is a good angler known 
by the way he uses and handles his tackle, a good sports- 
man by the way he uses and handles his gun and dogs, 
and a good sailor by the way he uses and handles his boat. 
It is, therefore, essential that the new hand should know 
the right way, to avoid the wrong way ; not only on the 
( 444 ) 



rONCLUDIXG REMARKS. 445 

score of the fitness of thino;s, hut on the score of economy, for 
more tackle is hopelcssiv ruined by a hick of proper care, 
than by the most severe, though juclieious, use. 



Care of the Rod. 

The I'ight way to "joint up," or put a rod together, is 
to take the joints, or pieces, from the case, remove the 
plugs, or stoppers, and put them in the pocket; then attach 
the reel to the butt, and see that it fits firmly and securely, 
and will not be likely to work loose; next wipe the male, 
or inside ferrules of the joints, to insure their being dry, 
clean, and bright; then the tip and second piece are to 
be })ut together first, and the butt last. Be particular in 
"jointing up," to ])lace the standing guides, or rings, on a 
straight line with the reel (there are usually small marks 
or punctures on the male and female ferrules as a guide), 
and in fitting the joints, do so by inserting the smaller, or 
male ferrule into the larger, or female ferrule, and push 
home firmly, but gently, and be very careful to avoid a 
twisting, or screwing motion, especially with split bamboo 
rods, for this is not only liable to warp the ferrules, but 
also to separate the strips of such a rod. After the rod is 
properly jointed up, place the butt end carefully on the 
ground, reeve the line through the guides, or rings, and 
bring it down and tie it to one of the bars of the reel by a 
single bow-knot, until ready to attach the cast of flies, or 
the swivel and hook. 

The UTong way to joint up a rod, and I will describe 
it as I have seen it done, many times, is to put the butt 
and second piece together first; then drop the butt end on 
the ground and shove it to one side, or behind you, and 



446 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

then put the tip on — the rod swaying and bending, in the 
meantime, rendering this somewhat diffieult to do, but 
which is finally accomplished by twisting or screwing it 
on, the butt boring a iiole in the ground, the while — and 
in case no one has stepped on your rod (which I have 
seen done more than once), hold the I'ou perpendicularly, 
and settle the joints by tanij)ing the butt-end on a stone, or 
piece of wood. The reel is yet to be adjusted ; to do which 
you may either rest the tip on the ground in front (using 
it as a boring instrument in this instance), or hold the rod 
horizontally with the butt against the pit of the stomach, 
to the great danger of some one stumbling over your rod, 
or of your striking it against a tree or rock while endeav- 
oring to ship your reel; and yet — "tell it not in Gath " — 
I have seen this very scene played over and over again 
by those who called themselves anglers ; and so they were, 
in the aggregate, or on the whole, l)ut not in detail. To 
hold the rod across the body, sitting or standing, or per- 
pendicularly, while adjusting the reel, is just as awkward 
and unsafe. 

Remember, then, to remove the plugs and put them in 
the pocket — you will have them then whenever you unjoint 
your rod, for the separated joints should never be left a 
moment without the plugs in the female ferrules; in this 
way you will preserve the proper shape of the ferrules, and 
your rod will always go together and come apart easily, 
])rovided you keep them clean and smooth. Then, ship 
the reel; then put the smaller joints together first, and the. 
butt piece last. 

The right way to " unjoint," or take apart, the rod (I 
will spare the reader the infliction of a description of the 
wrong way) is first to remove the leader, or swivel and 



COXCLUDIXG REMARKS. 447 

hook, reel the line on the spool slowly — T say slowly, for 
I have seen the tip of a rod snapped oif while the wet 
line was being reeled rapidly, or in a hnrry, by its catch- 
ing in one of the rings, or clinging in a coil around the 
tip. The reel is next to be nnshij)ped, and the rod wiped 
perfectly dry; all sand, dirt, or fish-scales must be care- 
fully rubbed oflF, and especially must the ferrules be 
rendered clean and bright, to prevent any foreign substance 
getting into them when the rod is being unjointed, for the 
smallest particle of grit or sand may spoil the fitting of the 
rod. The rod must now be taken apart in the reverse 
order in which it was put together; the butt first, and the 
smaller joints last ; in unjointing, pull the joints apart by 
using gentle and steady Ibrce, in a straight line, with the 
hands close to the ferrules, when they will separate read- 
ily. Be particular about this, for I have seen an angler 
with the joint against his breast, his hands widely separa- 
ted, pulling on the two pieces in a curved line, as if he 
would bend the rod around his body, which proceeding 
had a greater tendency to strain and warp the ferrules than 
to separate them. 

Having separated the joints of the rod, the plugs are 
next to be inserted, and the reel unshipped. Examine' 
each joint, or piece, and if bent, or warped, straighten it 
carefully, and place them in the case, large end down; in 
tying the case, tie it loosely, otherwise you may bend the 
small joints. Never put your rod away in a damp case ; 
should it be wet, dry it thoroughly after reaching home. 

When the rod is put together, never stand it in a corner, 
or lean it with the tip resting against any thing; better 
lay it down flat. In putting a rod away after the season, 
it should be laid on a shelf, or in a flat box. It should 



448 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

be kept in a cool room, of uniform temperature, and 
never in a room heated by a furnace or a stove. A div 
atmosphere will cause the joints to shrink, and the ferrules 
to become loose, while a damp, or constantly changing at- 
mosphere will cause them to twist and warp. The wrappings 
of the guides, rings, or hand-piece should be frequently 
looked to, when in use, and the rod should be varnished 
once or twice during the season. Coach varnish is good, 
but the best, perhaps, is a saturated solution of shellac in al- 
cohol ; it should be put on quite thin and evenly, and one or 
two coats applied as may be needed, using a soft rag or 
sponge ; it soon dries and is perfectly waterproof. In 
Izaak Walton's day rods were painted, and he gives minute 
directions for preparing the sizing, the paint, and the man- 
ner of applying them. AVood, to preserve its elasticity, 
must be protected from the changes of the atmosphere. 

Care of the Reel. 

A fine reel should receive as much care as a watch, so 
far as this can be done, consistently, with its use. It should 
never be laid on the sand or bare ground, or exposed in 
any way to favor the introduction of sand or grit into the 
working parts. When not in use it should be kept in a 
box, or in a buckskin or chamois bag. At the beginning 
and end of each season it should be carefully taken apart, 
cleaned and oiled. After use, it should be always wiped 
clean, and rubbed with an oiled rag or chamois skin. 

A first-class reel will last an angler his life-time, with 
proper care. Especially is a multiplying reel to be well 
cared for, as it is more complicated, and has more gearing 
than a click reel. The screw that holds the movable 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 449 

handle to the crank shoukl be frequently noticed, to see 
that it is firmly screwed in, otherwise it may come out in 
castino- and both screvv and handle be lost. On this ac- 
count, this screw should never be oiled. The drag, alarm, 
click — or by whatever name the "brake" of a multiplying 
reel may be known — should be used only when really nec- 
essary, and as seldom as possible, for its frequent use wears 
out the gearing of the reel. 

See that the reel fits your rod perfectly and tightly, so 
there will be no shaking, wabbling or coming loose during 
a severe strain. If the reel-plate fits the rod too loosely, 
place strips of parchment or card-board between the plate 
of the reel and the groove of the rod, until the reel- 
band will just slip over the plate and hold it firmly. 
If the reel-plate is too long, or too thick for the reel-seat 
of the rod, one or the other, or both, must be cut to fit; 
at all events, see that your reel fits its seat firmly and 
securely. 

Always, if you can, use the reel " underneath," with the 
handle to* the right side, when reeling the line ; and always 
turn the crank, in reeling, "away" from you, or in the 
direction that the hands of a watch move. It may seem 
unnecessary to mention this latter precaution, but I have 
known it to be used the contrary way. When angling, 
and the fly or bait is in the water, never, for a moment, lay 
the rod down with a turn of the line around the crank of 
the reel to serve as a drag, for I have several times seen 
both rod and reel jerked overboard, and irretrievably lost, 
by just such inexcusable carelessness and stujpidity, and 
the savage "bite" of a big fish. 
3S 



450 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Care of the Line. 

The line should be thoroughly dried, always, after use. 
This injunction is of the hiohest importance to the angler. 
The entire line — not merely the portion that may have 
been used — should be stretched between two trees, or 
around pegs or nails driven up for the purpose, and ex- 
posed to the sun and air; or, if at night, or if the day be 
damp, it should be coiled around the back of a chair, and 
placed near the fire. I can not impress the necessity of 
this care too strongly on the beginner, for he will see so 
many bad examples in those who ought to know better, but 
who habitually put away the reel and wet line, to the ever- 
lasting injury of both, because it is "too much trouble," 
or they are "too tired," to perform their bounden duty of 
drying their lines; such men are "pot-fishers," and will 
stand their rods, jointed, up in a corner all night. They 
are on a par with the "pot-hunter" who, after a hard 
day's tramp, permits his dogs to go supperless to bed, and 
his ffun to remain foul until morninof. 

Silk-lines are especially liable to mildew and rot if put 
away damp or wet. Even waterproof lines should have a 
■good airing after use, or they will retain more or less damp- 
ness, which, in the end, will work their destruction. After 
drying a line, it should be rubbed, or reeled through a 
woolen cloth, to remove any sand, grit or mildew. The 
economy of this whole matter is one thing, and its ex- 
pediency another; the value of a line may be a small 
affair, but the breaking away of a good fish through a 
defective line is a serious event. I once knew a good 
fellow, but a poor angler, who, after a day's fishing, care- 



CONCLUDING EEMARKS. 451 

fully dried a fifty-cent handkerchief for fear it would mil- 
dew, while he left a three-d(jllar line, wet, on a twenty- 
dollar reel and a thirty-dollar rod, standing in the corner 
all night, because he was "";oins2r a-fishin"- a<>:ain in the 
morning." 

The line shonld be thoroughly tested at the beginning 
of the season, during its whole length; and, if not found 
fully up to the standard, should be discarded. It should 
also be tested, occasionally, during the season ; in fact, the 
better way is to test it always before using it. A line that 
will sustain a dead weight of two pounds is strong enough, 
if used with a pliant rod, and no other should be used 
for Black Bass angling. By examining and testing the 
line, always, before using it, it may save much morti- 
fication, and many a fish. Though you can not loose a 
fish by the breaking of the line — for, as Father Izaak 
says, "no man can lose what he never had" — you can 
lose your temper under such trying circumstances, which 
is worse. 

It would be useless to give any directions for water- 
proofing lines, for it is a very difficult thing to do well; 
and, moreover, prepared lines are now so cheaply and well 
made, that it will pay the angler to buy. them, if he wants 
waterproof lines. If a line loses its color or tint, it can 
be soaked in strong green tea, or a weak solution of indigo, 
to be afterward well dried. To take the kink — so far as it 
can be done — out of laid or twisted lines, let them out their 
full length, and draw them loosely through the water, with- 
out hook or sinker, from the stern of a boat as it is rowed 
along; to be then stretched and dried. Never use a reel- 
line with a knot in it ; better, by far, make some boy happy 
by giving it to him to catch Perch and "Sunnies." 



452 book of the black bass. 

Caee of other Tackle, 

Artificial flies should be closely looked after, summer 
and winter, to preserve them from their worst enemy — the 
moth. When put away for the winter, see that the fly- 
book, or other receptacle, is perfectly clean; dust out the 
leaves and pockets before putting the flies iu. See that 
the flies are perfect in feather and snell ; reject all that 
are much worn or seem moth-eaten, and those which have 
worn, frayed or otherwise imperfect snells. Place patch- 
ouly, or gum camphor, wrapped in paper, in the pockets 
and between the leaves, and inclose the whole, securely, in 
cotton cloth. 

Leaders should be carefully looked to, and only those 
that are perfect retained. Imperfect ones may be utilized 
for snells. Hooks should be kept sharpened, and free 
from rust; it is a good plan to wipe them, after use, with 
an oiled rag; those that are rusted should be thrown 
away. All tackle, in short, should be kept neat and 
clean. It is a great pleasure to the angler to overhaul 
his tools and tackle several times during the winter, to 
see that every thing is all right. A little attention to 
these details, and a following of the advice given in this 
chapter, will more than pay the angler for the price of 
this book, and may inculcate hal)its of order and econo- 
my in the novice, which will certainly promote his pleas- 
ure and happiness, and may save him many a dollar, if 
applied to other walks in life. 

Parting Words. 
And now, in taking leave of the angler — or he who 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. • 453 

has mentally resolved to become an angler, and who has 
followed me through the pages of this book — I do so with 
regret; for it has been to me a labor of love to describe, 
in my way, the methods and the delights of angling. It 
has revived the memory of many happy hours, spread over 
many years of checkered sunshine and shadow. The 
bright pages in the book of memory stand out like the 
flashing stream in the bright sunlight, while the sorrows 
are hid in the deep shadows of its thickly-wooded glens. 
"With thee conversing I forget all time." I live, 
again, in scenes forever past, but never to be forgotten; 
with rod and reel, again I wander along the upland streams, 
among the cedars and chinkapins, and on the tide-waters 
and salt-marshes of "My Maryland;" on Long Island's 
sea-girt shore ; on the broad bosom of the St. Lawrence, 
with its clusters of emerald isles, and on the charming 
lakes of the Empire State; among the low green hills of 
"the valley," the broom-sedge of the " Piedmont" section, 
and on the broad bays of the " Old Dominion ; " in the 
coves and bights of the stormy Huron, the treacherous 
Michigan, and the great inland sea, Superior, with its 
crystal waters and great hills, crowned by the scarlet 
banners of the mountain ash ; by the pine-clad rivers of 
the " Old North State; " along the rocky streams of Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, flecked with the roseate tassels and 
snowy disks of the redbud and dogwood ; among the 
moss-covered rocks of the highland rapids, and under the 
fragrant magnolia and feathery cypress of the silent estu- 
aries of the " Palmetto State " and Georgia ; on the clear, 
sparkling lakelets of Wisconsin, glinting and dancing 
amid fields of golden grain and broad green pastures, or 
hiding in sheltered nooks,.among the tamaracks and black 



454 ■ BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 

birches; on the broad Susquehanna, the blue Juniata, 
and among the hemlocks and maples of the Pennsylvania 
hills; under the moss-draped live-oak and stately palm, 
amid the orange-groves and myrtles, the mangi-ove and 
sea-grape, on the sluggish streams, the broad lagoons, and 
amonir the coral-reefs and sunnv kevs of Florida ; 'under 
the cool beeches and broad sycamore, the graceful elms 
and lofty cottomvood, of the quiet streams of Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois and Missouri ; in the cold, crystal streams, 
gliding among the everlasting hills, clothed with tangled 
forests of balsam and pine, in Michigan. It has taken 
me back even to the days of lang syne, when, Avith a bit 
of cock's hackle, tied on a pin-hook, and a willow wand 
for a rod, I first essayed the angler's art, and made sad 
havoc among the minnows, chubs and "gudgeons." 

I can only hope that the reader will experience as much 
pleasure in perusing the foregoing pages, as I have done 
in penning them; and he will please remember, that, 
though he may diflPer with me on each and every page, I 
will not quarrel with him; but, should we ever meet, as 
brothers of the angle, in some sequestered spot on lake 
or stream, we will, while smoking the pipe of peace, talk 
the matter over cooly, calmly and dispassionately. But 
he may rest assured, that, though all roads lead to Rome, 
and though there are many ways of catching a Bass — I 
have traveled some of the roads, and tried most of the 
w^ays — if he faithfully follows in my footsteps, he will 
never regret it, and never have cause to wish he had tried 
the other way. 

And now I leave you, with this injunction ; and, though 
I have mentioned it before, I do so at parting, that it may 
be the more impressive : 



CON(-'LUX;lNG REMARKS. 455 

Always riii- yot'r fish as soon as taken from 
the water; and ever be satisfied with a moder- 
ate creef,. 

By SD doing, your angling days will be happy, and your 
sleep unJisturbei; and you, and I, and the fish we may 
catch, can say, with the sweet singer of Israel : 
" The lines are fallen to nie in pleasant places." 



THE END. 



INDEX 



SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Agassiz, Prof. Louis, 15, 26, 34, 56. 

Aplesion, 24, 35. 

Aplites, 24, 35. 

Baird & Girard, 15, 27, 34. 

Black Bass, Scientific History of, 11. 

Bodianns achigan, 13, 23, 33, 36, 45. 

Bosc, M., 12, 22. 

Calliurus, 24, 35, 42, 57. 

Calliurus punctulatus, 13, 24, 25, 35. 

Centrarchus fasciatiis, 14, 15, 26, 
27, 28. 

Centrarchus obpcurus, 14, 26, 28, 33. 

Chronological Catalogue of Species, 
81. 

Cichla, 25. 

Cichla fasciata, 13, 25, 33, 56. 

Cichla floridana, 14, 25, 34. 

Cichla minima, 14, 25, 33. 

Cichla variabilis, 13, 44, 53, 57. 

Cichla ohiensis, 14, 25, 33. 

Contrasted Differential Characteris- 
tics, 18. 

Cope, Prof. E. D., 15, 28, 55. 

Cuvier & Valenciennes, 14, 25, 34, 
43, 50, 51. 

BeKay, Dr. ,Jas. E., 14, 26, 33. 

Dioplites, 24, 35. 

Dioplites nuecensis, 15, 16, 29. 

Dioplites salmoides, 16. 

Dioplites treculii, 16, 34, 
39 



Dioplites variabilis, 16, 34. 
Etheostoma, 24. 
Etiieostoma calliura, 24, 33. 
Garlick, Dr. T., 15, 27, 34. 
Generic characterizations, 68. 

Aplesion Raf., 71. 

Aplites Raf., 70. 

Calliurus Raf., 68, 69. 

iJiopUtes Girard, Ti. 

Dioplites Raf., 70. 

Etheostoma Raf., 70. 

Grysleini Bleeker, 75. 

Gi-ystes Agassiz, 72. 

Grystes Cuvier & Valenciennes, 71. 

Gi-ystes Giinther, 73. 

Grystes Holbrook, 72. 

Grysles Swainson, 71. 

Hm-o Blocker, 75. 

Huro Cuvier & Valenciennes, 71. 

Huro Gun t her, 73. 

Htiro Swainson, 71. 

Lepomis Raf., 69. 

Micropterus Bleeker, 75. 

Micropterus Gill, 73. 

Micropterus Jordan, 75. 

Micropterms Lac., 68. 

Micropterus V. & B., 76. 

JVernocanipsis Raf., 70. 

Generic Description of Micropter- 
us, 67. 
Gill, Prof. Theo., 15, 18, 30, 34, 47, 48. 
Girard, Dr. Chas., 15, 27. 
Goode, Prof. G. Brown, 16, 30, 35. 
Gunther, Dr. Albert, 28, 39. 

(457) 



4o8 



INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC HISTORY. 



Grystes, 14, 15, 22, 26, 27, 28, 35, 39. 
Grystes fasciatus, 27, 28, 56. 
Grystes raegastoma, 15, 27, 28, 29, 34. 
Gry.stes nigricans, 15, 27, 28, 56. 
Grystes nobilis, 15, 27, 29, 34. 
Grystes nuecensis, 15, 27, 28, 34. 
Grystes salnioides, 14, 26, 28, 42, 49, 

50, 53, 54, 56. 
Grystes " salmoneiis,'' 27, 57. 
Holbrook, Dr. J. E., 45, 55. 
Huro, 26, 35, 39. 
Huro nigricans, 14, 25, 26, 28, 29, 

30, 34, 49, 56. 
Jordan, Prof. D. S., 16, 30, 31, 36, 

39, 40, 50, 52, 54. 
Kirtland, Dr., 15, 34. 
Labre salm'oide, 12, 62. 
Labrus salraoides, 12, 22, 26, 29, 33, 

36, 37, 43, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54. 
Lacepcde, Count, 11, 12, 22, 32, 51. 
Le Labre salmoide. 62. 
Lepomis, 24, 35. 
Lepomis achigan, 15. 
Lepomis flexnolaris, 13, 24, 33. 
Lepomis pallida, 13, 24, 33, 45. 
Lepomis notata, 13, 24, 33. 
Lepomis salmonen, 13, 24, 33. 
Lepomis trifasciata, 13, 24, 33. 
Le Microptere dolomieu, 60. 
Le Sueur, Chas. A., 13, 25, 33, 34. 
Microptere dolomien, 60. 
Micropterus, 12, 16, 24, 29, 35, 38, 

42, 46, 57, 65. 
Micropterus, synonymy of; 65. 
Micropterus acliigan, 15, 28. 
Micropterus dolomieu, 12, 16, 22, 

33, 35, 38, 41, 45, 49, 50, 51, 52, 

53, 54, 57, 84. 
Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede, 

synonymy of, 84. 



Micropterus dolomieu Lac, Siiecific 

descriptions of, 86. 
Micropterus fasciatus, 28. 
Micropterus floridanus, 16, 30, 35. 
Micropterus nigricans, 15, 28, 30, 

31, 34. 
Micropterus nuecensis, 16, 38, 40. 
Miciopteius pallidus, 16, 30, 31, 35, 

37, 40, 47. 
Micropterus salmoides, 15, 16, 30, 

31, 37, 38, 40, 47, 49, 57. 
Micropterus salmoides, (Lac.) Hen- 
shall, synonymy of, 110. 
Micropterus salmoides var achigan, 

16, 36. 
M_icropterus sal moidesrar salmoides, 

16, 36. 
Micropterus variabilis, 16, 38, 48. 
Morphological, 23. 
Morphology and Nomenclature, 65. 
Nemocauipsis, 24, 35. 
Nomenclature, 29. 
Nomenclature and morphology, 65. 
Notes on Fishes from Florida, 39. 
Notes on Typical Fishes in Paris 

Museum, 41. 
On Species Micropterus, Gill, 18. 
Rafinesque, C. S., 13, 23, 33. 
Scientific History of Black Bass, 11. 
Scientific Names of Black Bass, 31. 
Specific Descriptions of M. dolomieu 
Lac, 86. 
BocHaniis achigan Raf., 87. 
Calliurus punctulatius Raf., 87. 
Centrarrhus fasciatus DeKay, 98. 
Ccnfrai-chus fai-ciatus Giinther, lOo. 
Centrarchus fasciatus Kirtland, 97. 
Ccnl rarchusfascialiis Roosevelt, 105. 
Centrarchus fasciatiis Storer, 101. 
Centrarchus fasciatus Thompson, 

10:3. 
Centrarchus obscurus DeKay, 100. 



INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC HISTORY. 



459 



Centrarchus obscurity Gtinther, 105. 

Centrarchus obscurns Storer, 101. 

Cichlafasciata Klrtland, 97. 

Cichla /asciata Le Sueur, 90. 

Cichla minima Kirtland, 97. 

Cichla minima Le Sueur, 93. 

Cichla ohiensis Kirtland, 97. 

Cichla ohiensis Le Sueur, 92. 

Elheostonia calliura Raf., 90. 

Grisles salmoiedcs Herbert, 104, 

Grystes fascialus Agassiz, 101. 

Grys/es fasciatus Putnam, 106. 

Grystes nigricans Garlick, 104. 

Grystes nigricans Norris, 105. 

Grystes salmoides Cuv. & Val., 93. 

Grystes salmoides Delva5'', 98. 

Grystes salmoides Storer, 101. 

Grystes salmoides Jardine, 96. 

Grystes sal inonoides Giinther, 105. 

Lepomis achigan Gill, 106. 

Lepomis flexuolaris Raf., 8iS. 

Lepomis notata Raf., 89. 

Lepomis salmonea Raf., 89. 

Lepomis irifasciata Raf., 88. 

Micropteriis dolomieu Lac, 86. 

Microplerus fasciatus Cope, 107. 

Micropterus salmoides Gill, 107. 

Micropterus salmoides Hallock, 109. 

Micropterus salmoides Jordan, 109. 

Micropterus salmoides Uhler & Lug- 
ger, 108. 
Synonyms of Micropterus, 65. 
Synonyms of M. dolomieu Lac, 84. 
Synonyms of M. salmoides (Lac) 
Henshall, 110. 



Synopsis of Species of Micropterus, 
82. 

Specific Descriptions of M. sal- 
moides (Lac.) Henshall, 113. 

Cichla floridana Le Sueur, 113. 
Diopliles nuecensis Girard, 125, 126. 
Grisles nigricans Herbert, 129. 
Grystes megastotna Garlick, 125. 
Grystes nigricans Agassiz, 121. 
Grystes nobilis Agassiz, 121. 
Grystes nuecensis Baird & Girard, 

121. 
Grystes salmoides Holbrook, 122. 
Grystes salmoides Norris, 130. 
Huro nigricans Cuv. & Val., 114. 
Huro nigriqans DeKay, 119. 
JIur,o nigricans Giinther, 126. 
Huro nigricans Jardine, 115. 
Huro nigricans Richardson, 116. 
Huro nigricans Storer, 120. 
Labrus salmoides Lac, 113. 
Lepomis pallida Raf., 113. 
Micropterus nigricans Cope, 130. 
Microptei-us nigricaixs Gill, 1.30. 
Micropterus pallidus Goode & Bean, 

1.S2. 
Microptenis pallidus Jordan, 132. 

Vaillant, Dr. Leon, 38, 40, 48, 53. 
Vaillant & Bocourt, 15, 16, 34, 

37. 
Varieties of small-mouthed Black 

Bass, 16, 36. 



INDEX TO LIFE HISTORY AND ANGLING. 



Aerating water, 190. 

Angling, as an art, 353. 

Angling, best season for, 365. 

Angling, effect of wind on, 366. 

Angling, philosophy of, 349. 

Angling, time of day for, 374. 

Artificial baits, 307. 

Artificial flies, 294. 

Artificial flies, care of, 452. . 

Artificial insects, 315. 

Artificial minnows, 315. 

Asli, for rods, 197. 

Baits and Baiting, 429. 

Baits, artificial, 307. 

Baits, natural, 318. 

Bamboo, for rods, 200. 

Bass, black, as a game fish, 377. 

Basswood, for rods, 199. 

Bethabara, for rods, 19S. 

Biting of fish. Conditions governing 

the, 356. 

Black Bass as a food fish, 185. 

Black Bass as a game fish, 377. 

Black Ba.ss bait-rods, 207. 

Black Bass fly-rod, 229. 

Black Bass rods, difference in, 209. 

Boat fishing, 421. 

Bobbing, 441. 

Bob, tlie, 317. 

Breeding of Black Bas.s, 162. 

Calcutta bamboo, 200. 

Cane, 200. 

Capture of the Bass, 382. 

Care of lines, 450. 
t4ti0) 



Care of reel, 448. 

Care of rod, 445. 

Care of tackle, 452. 

Cast, rigging the, 389, 414. 

Casting-lines, 273. 

Casting, overhead, 394. 

Casting, sideways, 396. 

Casting the fly, 390. 

Casting the fly, general instructions, 
398. 

Casting the minnow, 409, 415. 

Casting the minnow, general instruc- 
tions, 421. 

Causes of color in fishes, 147. 

Cedar, for rods, 198. 

Chubs, 318. 

Clearing ring, 339. 

Click reel, 238. 

Coloration of the Black Bass, 145. 

Coming Black Bass rod, 211. 

Common names of Black Bass, 142. 

Concluding remarks, 444. 

Conditions governing the biting of 
fish, 356. 

Corks, 335. 

Corydalis, horned, 321. 

Crawfish, 323. 

Creel, 329. 

Crickets, 324. 

Details of split bamboo rod, 228. 

Depth of water for fishing, 362. 

Differences in color, 136. 

Differences in game qualities, 140. 

Difierences in fins, 138. 



INDEX TO LIFP: HISTORY. 



461 



Differences in mouth, 13S. 

Diflerences in scales, 138. 

Dimensions of tlie Henshall rod, 
215. 

Disgorgei-s, 339. 

Diversities in liabits, 139. 

Dobson, 322. 

Dublin bend hook, 289. 

Extinction of brook trout, 380. 

Fish ba.sket, 329. 

Fish hooks, 283. 

Fishing lines, 252. 

Fishing, perfect day for, 370. 

Fi.shing reels, 237. 

Fishing rods, 195. 

Fishing, still, 428. 

Flies, artificial, 294. 

Flies, rules for using, 296. 

Floats, 335, 414. 

Fly-books, 327. 

Fly, casting the, 390. 

Fly, maniigenient of, 399. 

Fly-fishing, 387. 

Fly-fishing, caution in, 403. 

Fly-fisiiing, lines for, 265. 

Fly-fishing, main rules in, 405, 407. 

Fly-fishing, remarks, hints and ad- 
vice, 402. 

Fly-fishing, rigging the cast, 389. 

Fly-fishing, striking aud playing, 
401. 

P^ood and growth, 164. 

Forest and Stream rod, 211. 

Frogs, 324. 

Game fish, Black Bass as a, 377. 

Cieneral and Specific features, 135. 

General instructions in casting the 
fly, 398. 

General instructions in casting the 
innmow, 421. 



General instructions in still-fishing, 
430. 

Geographical distribution, 154. 

Giving the butt, 402, 426. 

Grassiioppers, 324. 

Greenheart, for rods, 198. 
I Growth of Bass 164, 167. 
j Gut, silkworm, 270. 
I Habitat of Black Bass, 135. 

Habits of Black Bass, 162. 

Hackle flies, 297. 

Hjind-lines for trolling, 267, 437. 

Hatching, 162. 

Heating, sense of, 181. 

Helgramite, 321. 

Henshall rod, 212, 

Hibernation, 170. 

Hickory, for rods, 199. 

Home-made rod, 221. 

Hooks, 283. 

Hooks for bait-fishing, 413. 

Hooks, sproat, 287. 

Hooks, various kinds of, 290. 

Hooking minnows, 319. 

Hooking the bass, 423. 

Hf)rnbeam, for rods, 199. 

How hooks are made, 283. 

How lines are made 253. 

How gut is made, 270. 

Influence of age <m color, 152. 

Influence of breeding on color, 153. 

Influence of food on color, 149. 

Influence of light on color, 152. 

Influence of water on color, 151. 

Influence of season on color, 151. 

Influences which govern the biting 
of fish, 356. 

Injunction, parting, 455. 

Insects, artificial, 315. 

Intelligence and special senses, 175. 



462 



INDEX TO LIFE HISTORY. 



Introduction of Bass in new waters, 

154. 
Knots, 279. 

Lancewood, for rods, 197. 
Landing-nets, 331. 
Landing the Bass, 402, 426. 
Last injunction, 455. 
Leaders, 273, 

Lengthening the line in casting, 397. 
Lines, care of, 450. 
Lines, fishing, 252. 
Lines, for bait-fishing, 258, 412. 
Lines for fiy-fisliing, 265. 
Lines for liand-troUing, 267. 
Lines, how made, 253. 
Lines, rod, 263. 
Mackintosh pants, 343. 
Malioe, for rods, 199. 
Making the cast, 415. 
Maple, for rods, 199. 
Markings of Bass, 146. 
Materials for rods, 196. 
Minnows, 318. 
Minnows, artificial, 315. 
Minnows, care of, 320. 
Minnow, casting the, 409. 
Minnow nets, 333. 
Minnow pails, 340. 
Minnow rod, 212, 411. 
Minnow seine, 333. 
Minnow tackle, 411. 
Multiplying reels, 243. 
Natural baits 318. 
Nests of Black Bass, 163. 
Net, landing, 331. 
Net, minnow, 333. 
No reel, 250. 

On stocking inland waters, 185. 
Origin of split bamboo rod, 201. 
Parting words, 452. 



Perch, for bait, 319. 

Philosophy of angling, 349. 

Pigment cells, 148. 

Playing, in bait-fishing, 425. 

Playing, in fly-fisiiing, 401. 

Position of reel on rod, 251. 

Potomac, stocking the, 157. 

Rapid growth of Bass, 165. 

Keels, 237. 

Reel, care of, 448. 

Reel cases, 345. 

Reel, click, 238. 

Reel lines, bait fishing, 258. 

Reel lines, fly-fishing, 265. 

Reel, management of, 420. 

Reel, multiplying, 243, 412. 

Reel, position on rod, 251, 414, 449. 

Reeling the line, 427. 

Remarks, hints and advice in fly- 
fishing, 402. 

Rigging the cast in bait-fishing, 414. 

Rigging the cast in fly-fishing, 389. 

Rods, 195. 

Rod, bait, 207. 

Rod, care of, 445. 

Rod, coming Bass, 211. 

Rod, Cuvier Club, 224. 

Rod, for casting the minnow, 411. 

Rod, Forest and Stream, 211. 

Rod, Henshall, 212. 

Rod, home-mnde, 221. 

Rod, how to joint, 445. 

Rod lines, 263. 

Rod, materials for, 196. 

Rod, origin of split bambno. 201. 

Rod, split bamboo minnow, 225. 

Rod, split bamboo, how to make, 
226. 

Rod, Welles, 223. 

Rules for using flies. 296. 



INDEX TO LIFE HISTORY, 



463 



Seine, minnow, 333. 

Sense of hearing, 181. 

Sense of sight, 176. 

Sliiners, 318. 

Silkworm gut, 270. 

Sinkers, 337, 413. 

Skittering and bobbing, 440. 

Snells, 275. 

Snoods, 275. 

Spawning, 162. 

Split bamboo minnow rod, 225. 

Split bamboo rod, origin of, 201.. 

Split biimboo rods, lengths and 

weights of, 207. 
Spoon-baits, 307, 435, 437. 
Sproat hook, 287. 
Still-fisliing, 428. 
Still-fishing, baits for, 429. 
Still-fishing, general instructions, 

430. 
Still-fishing, tackle, 428. 
Stocking new waters, 187. 
Stream fisliing, 423. 
Striking, 401, 425. 
Successful flies, 299. 
Switching, 396. 
Swivels 330, 413. 



Tackle, care of, 452. 

Tackle for still-fishing, 428. 

Thumbing the reel, 420. 

Transporting bass, 189. 

Trolling, 433. 

Trolling lines, 207. 

Trolliiig Spoons, 307. 

Trolling with flies, 434. 

Trolling with hand-line, 437. 

Trolling with fly-spoon, 439. 

Trolling with minnow, 435. 

Trolling with rod, 433. 

Typical rod, 213. 

Varnished rod, fish not frightened 

by, 404. 
Various causes affecting biting of 

fish, 356. 
Voracity of Black Bass. 
Wading pants and stockings, 343. 
Wasahba, for rods, 198. 
Weight of Black Bass, 169. 
Welles Kod, 223. 
Whipping with the fly, 399. 
Will the black bass rise to the fly, 

403. 
Words, parting, 452. 



CONROY, BISSETT & MALLESON, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

FIME FMWnm TA€MItE, 

65 Fulton Street, N. Y. Factory, Brooklyn, E. D. 




SEND FOR NEW ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE. Price 15c. 

THE CELEBRATED HENSHALL BLACK BASS ROD. 

Ash and Lance-wood, 2 tips and tip-casn ; 8]- to 9 ft. long ; Weight, 

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Brass mountings...., 12 00 

The same as the above of Six-Strip Hexagonal Split Bamboa, 

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See Catalogue for other Special Biack Bass Reels. 

rSee next page.! 
[Ij '- * ° ' 



CiNCiNNATr, Ocfober, 28, 1880. 
Messrs. Conroy, Bissett & Mallkson, 

ISew York City. 
Gentlemen: 

Your favor of the 26th and the "Kod" came to Land lo-dny. 

The Rod is about perfect in length, proportion, and weight — the great 

essentials — for a Black Bass Minnow Rod. I am more than pleased 

with it. Its action, I am sure, will be in harmony and keeping with its 

other good qualities, and I will soon give it a practical test. The tinish 

and style is first-class 

I must compliment you upon the production of so handsome and 
serviceable a rod, for serviceable it must prove, from the excellent char- 
acter of the timber and mountings. 

I will write you further in a few weeks, after trying it 

Yours very truly, 

J. A. HENSHALL. 

MANUFACTUr.EU OF 

FINE HAND-MADE FISHING RODS. 

HOE.NBEAM A SPECIALTY. 

SEND FOR CIRCULAR. 




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L3] 



H^isrovER 



ON 



The Law of Horses. 

A Practical Treatise on the Law of Horses: etnhracii:-^ 
the Law oj" Bargain, Sale, and Warranty of Horses 
atid other Live Stock; the Rule as to Unsoundness and 
Vice, and the Responsibility of the Proprietors, of 
Livery, Auction, and Sale Stables, Ltnkeepers, Vd 
erinary Surgeons, and Farriers, Carriers, ei". 
Second edition, revised and greatly enlarged. By 
M. D. Hanover. 

Svo. T^sLsv Slieep. #4.00. 

In this work the author has chiefly sought to investigate the 
principles which constitute the Law of Warranty in the sale of 
horses, and to present ihem in a clear and concise form. 

Contracts, Frauds, Carriers, Negligences, and other branches 
of the law have also been treated of, so far as they I'elate to horses 
and other live stock. The rule as to unsoundness and vice in 
horses, and the responsibility of innkeepers, livery-stable keepers, 
and others having the care of horses, have been carefully presented. 

The aim of the author has been to aflbrd assistance to the law- 
yer, and at the same time to enable the unprofessional reader to 
gain a general acquaintance with the law on the subject. He has 
also given full notes of the decisions of the American and En- 
glish courts. 

" This is a little book that will prove useful to that large class of persons, 
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" It is invaluable to those interested in the subject of which it treats. It 
should take its place as an authority in every law library."— Zf^v?/ Gazette. 

" Such a work as this, in which the law relating to live stock is carefully 
collated and arranged, and presented in a popular form which non-proles- 
sional readers could understand, has long been needed, and we believe this 
work will be generally sought after by all who deal in this description of 
property." — National Live Stock Jotirnal. 

"Very many of the little lawsuits in county courts arise from fraud or 
imposition in selling or swapping horses. In this book we have a perfect 
encyclopedia of the law and custom on these questions."— i?ara/ Ne-w 
'i'orker. 

ROBERT CLARKE & CO 

LavJ Publishers, Booksellers, Importers, 

[4] <.:incinnat; 



CAMPING AND CRUISING 



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12ino. 264 pages. Bound in Cloth. Price, $1.50. 

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It is profusely Illustrated with Characteristic Sketches by a 
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